Thieves targeting roof shingles in Coppell neighborhoods

Police estimate each steal prices between $750 and $2,500.

COPPELL — Coppell police are seeking the public’s help to find the thieves who have been stealing roof shingles in recent months.

Sgt. David Moore of the Coppell Police Department said as many as 17 such thefts have occurred in Coppell since June. While some of the thefts are from sites where new construction is underway, Moore said most of the thefts have occurred where roofs were being replaced because of damage caused by recent storms.

He said the thieves are taking roof shingles of various sizes and amounts.

“The amount varies from offense to offense, depending on the number of bundles they take, the brand of shingles, warranty ratings, and the grade or quality of the shingles,” he said. “The average is between $750 and $2,500.

He said the thieves likely either sell the shingles to contractors or directly to homeowners.

“The thieves are targeting pallets of shingles within a short time after they are delivered to homes for use by roofing contractors,” Moore said. “The majority of the thefts have been in the central part of Coppell.”

He added, “The thefts are probably being committed during nighttime hours, but it is suspected they may also occur late in the afternoon after contractors leave for the day, or in the morning just before the contractors arrive to work.”

Aaron Bidwell of Crow Engineering and Contractors said the company he works for has managed to avoid such thefts because they do not bring shingles to the site until the day they are to be placed on the roof.

Moore said police are asking that homeowners who have received a delivery of shingles that will have to be stored outdoors should contact the police so police can more closely monitor them.

Contact Detective Steve Hayes at 972-304-3604 or email him at shays@coppelltx.gov if you have information. Moore also reminded that the public should not hesitate to report suspicious behavior of any kind to the police department by calling 972-304-3600.

Residents may also submit an anonymous tip by clicking the “Submit a Tip” button on the Coppell Police Department’s website or by clicking the “Submit a Tip” button on the police department’s Facebook page. Anonymous tips may also be sent by texting the keyword COPPELL and the message to 847411 (tip411).