Not content with copper gutters, wiring or catalytic converters, theives have found a new metal material to grab for some quick cash. 

Two Palos Park fire hydrants were damaged when unknown persons pried off valve covers on May 11. 

The hydrants, located on Wild Cherry Lane and 128th Street and 86th Avenue, had their covers removed and stolen. The covers sit at ground level next to the hydrants and are about 8 inches in diamater and weigh ten pounds, police said.

The brass caps cost about $105 to replace. Typically thieves take the metal to sell as scrap for about $1 a pound, police said. 

The missing caps were first noticed by a Palos Park Public Works employee. Police are investigating area scrap metal shops to see if material matching the description has been scrapped recently, police said. 

In the past thieves have targeted copper piping and downspouts from Palos Park homes. Other nearby communities have also experienced problems with catalytic converter thefts in train station parking lots. 

The Palos Park Police Department is asking residents to report any suspicious activities. 

Read More Palos Crime News:

• Palos Heights Police Blotter: DUIs and Marijuana
• Tips For Preventing Copper Theft
• Palos Hills Police Blotter: DUI, High School Fight and Stolen Saw
• Taking Metra? You May Want To Ditch the Latte
• South Suburban DUI Arrests, May 13

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