Car batteries vanishing in latest NC crime trend

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say the
disappearance of car batteries is among the city’s latest crime
trends.

WCNC-TV in Charlotte reports that batteries are disappearing
from cars parked at businesses, church parking lots and in
neighborhoods.

In one case, thieves even took batteries twice from the same
driveway in northeast Charlotte. Police say a car alarm thwarted a
third attempt.

Police Sgt. Ken Schul says his officers are seeing the trend
expand across the city. Schul says battery theft has become more of
a problem as the price of once-prized copper has dropped.

Recycling plants will pay between $2 and $20 for a used battery,
depending on its size.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)