Suspected burglars caught on roof of west Houston business

  Simon Gutierrez

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two suspected burglars were caught red-handed overnight in west Houston, police say, and our cameras were rolling as they were arrested.

The suspects were allegedly trying to steal copper wire from air conditioning units at J&S Audio Visual on Westview near North Post Oak.

Eyewitness News was there as the two suspects scooted down the ladder of a Houston Fire Department fire truck in handcuffs. Police say they caught the men on the roof of J&S Audio Visual, allegedly trying to steal copper. An employee who stopped by around midnight to get some personal things called police.

"You could hear people on the roof up there, and it's awfully strange to have that happen at midnight," employee Robert Conley said.

J&S Audio Visual general manager Tracy Punch says it's at least the third time the building's been targeted. Thieves on other occasions have cut and removed copper power lines on the roof.

It's a headache when you're trying to run a business, Punch says.

"It's certainly a major inconvenience because everything we do is electronic and computer driven, so it really takes us offline for a little bit," he said.

Behind the business, you can see they put a parking boot on their own truck. Punch says thieves have stolen parts off the truck, including the battery, which costs about $1,200.

"They've stolen the batteries off the trucks, the tires off the trucks, literally taking the tire off the rim," Punch said.

Punch says the property owner provides a security patrol, but the security officer doesn't stay the entire night. He's hoping Saturday morning's arrests put an end to the thefts.

"Glad they caught them this time and I'd really love to see them put a fence around this place. That would certainly be a good deterrent as well," he said.

The two men face burglary charges. Their names have not been released.
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