NewsWhore
07-12-2012, 03:00 PM
The theft of cables and other metals from public places in the city of Santiago has been on the increase over these last weeks, which is causing concern among local residents and the municipal authorities. Metal items being stolen include iron manhole covers, handrails on pedestrian bridges, lights in public places and parts of park benches. Thieves have also stolen entire bus stops as well as telephone and electric cables. Some days ago, persons unknown stole some of the handrails on the Juan Mateo Pelon pedestrian bridge over the Yaque River linking La Joya and Bella Vista.
Some say that an organized gang is stealing and selling the items to several metal collection companies, while others say that the so-called "piperos"(a local name for cocaine or crack smokers) from the barrios in the lower part of Santiago are responsible. "The 'piperos' are carrying away the metals that they find easy enough in order to sell them and using the money to buy their drugs," Jose Rodriguez, a resident of La Joya, told Diario Libre reporters.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#7)
Some say that an organized gang is stealing and selling the items to several metal collection companies, while others say that the so-called "piperos"(a local name for cocaine or crack smokers) from the barrios in the lower part of Santiago are responsible. "The 'piperos' are carrying away the metals that they find easy enough in order to sell them and using the money to buy their drugs," Jose Rodriguez, a resident of La Joya, told Diario Libre reporters.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#7)