Police: Perth Amboy men stole copper pipe from Sandy victim’s barrier-island home

By Anthony G. Attrino/NJ.com
on December 26, 2012 at 6:20 AM, updated December 26, 2012 at 7:11 AM

TOMS RIVER – Police on Sunday arrested two Perth Amboy men and accused them of stealing copper pipe from a barrier-island home in the area of Second Avenue.

Maximo Panolaya Castillo, 25, and Israel Garcia, 24, both of Perth Amboy, were charged with burglary and theft, according to a report in app.com.

"Officers discovered they entered a vacant damaged home and removed 30 feet of copper pipe worth about $200," the report quoted Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy.

A contractor working in the area called police to say two men were behaving suspiciously, according to the report.

"The witness stated he became suspicious as to what they were doing under the residence and they quickly fled when he went to approach them," Mastronardy said.

Police found the two men smoking on the beach, the report states.

The suspects were held on $15,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

Police informed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that Castillo and Garcia are illegal aliens, according to app.com.

Police: Perth Amboy men stole copper pipe from Sandy victim’s barrier-island home | NJ.com