Stolen pipe found in scrap yard

By Staff

Published: August 15, 2008

The Halifax County farmer who had $3,000 in aluminum pipe stolen from his Sutherlin sod farm credits the media for its being located at a Caswell County, N.C., scrap yard.

Unfortunately for Ken Daniel, the pipe he uses for irrigation was in pieces at Hayes Iron and Metal in Providence, N.C. He said employees at the scrap yard called authorities when they suspected this was Daniel’s property. He thinks customers lined up at Hayes Iron Works spotted the aluminum and alerted employees.

“Media coverage is what found that pipe,” Daniel said Friday.

Daniel went to Hayes Iron and Metal and identified his pipe. He was able to tell the aluminum was his because of a welding mark at the end of the pipe.

Daniel believes his insurance policy will replace the pipes. He did offer a $500 reward, but there were no takers.

A man who identified himself as Charlie at Hayes Iron Works said they make sure customers give them correct identification before they buy scrap products. The people who sold the aluminum got about $300 for it.

Daniel hopes an arrest will be made soon because Hayes Iron and Metal did get car registration information. The aluminum was taken Sunday night.