MCSO: Thieves take batteries from construction equipment in Phoenix

PHOENIX - The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether a battery theft at a Phoenix construction equipment site may be linked to a similar case in Laveen.

Deputies told ABC15 that someone stole 23 batteries from JS Cole Company near 59th Avenue and Buckeye Road at some point over the weekend.

Deputies said the thief or thieves allegedly cut through a wire security fence, stole the batteries and rolled them out on a cart.

Jeff Weaver with JS Cole Company said the batteries cost them between $170 and $200 a piece. He thinks the thief will try to get money for them at a scrap yard.

In late August, 36 batteries were stolen from Laveen School District school buses while they were parked in a secured lot.

According to MCSO, the damages and replacement costs for the school bus batteries estimated to be over $3,000.

Deputies said the two battery theft cases look similar because in both cases the suspect cut through the security fence and used a cart to wheel them out.

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office at 602-876-1011 and refer to report #12168505.