MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A downtown Merced business is recovering after copper wire thieves struck for the second time this year.

Lover's Deli was closed Monday, as usual, but instead of resting, the owners were repairing damage from a weekend theft. Police say the thieves climbed onto the roof early Saturday and stole copper wiring, causing about $6,000 in damage.

"They're always packed, so to see them have to close their doors for something like this is really, really sad," said Det. Megan Aponte of the Merced Police Department.

Investigators are reviewing city and business security cameras and checking local recycling centers.

"We are checking with the local recycling businesses because by law they do have to provide identification, or ask for identification to be presented before

See Full Page