Police Detail Copper Thefts from Bunting House Properties

Philadelphia Police said three Roxborough properties—including two next to the Bunting House—were burglarized in late October with nearly $100,000 in copper piping and appliances taken.

Property owners recently erected fencing around 5901-09 Ridge Ave.—including the historical Bunting Home, currently subject of a battle to preserve it—and attributed copper thefts, Roxborough officials said. All four properties have received city demolition permits.

Police records now indicate how much damage occurred to two properties on that block, in addition to a third Roxborough home.

According to police records, the two properties next to the stately Victorian—5905 and 5907 Ridge Ave.—were broken into sometime between Oct. 2 and Oct. 23. The Bunting House itself was not listed on the police report.

At noon on the latter day, police responded to a burglary call at the properties. Police said that at 5905 Ridge Ave., someone broke into the first-floor bathroom and took a washing machine, dryer and copper piping from inside the building. 

Owners valued the damage at $30,000.

Additionally, 5907 Ridge Ave. experienced $60,000 in thefts. Police said electrical wires, copper pipes, landscaping bricks and four stainless steel sinks were stolen.

Later that week, Oct. 26, 145 Leverington Ave. was similarly burglarized.

The property owner told police that between Oct. 6 and Oct. 26, someone broke into the rear door and took copper piping from the basement—worth $5,000. According to police, the property has been on the market for one year.

Police did not disclose any information on potential subjects.