Two alleged thieves turned a vacant Hickory Hill business into a high-dollar scrapyard Tuesday night, walking off with more than $100,000 worth of electrical wiring, copper, and a backflow machine. Memphis police are now asking for the public’s help to track them down.
Officers were called to 6760 Winchester Road at about 10:38 p.m., where they found that two suspects had gone into the vacant business and removed electrical wiring, copper, and a backflow machine, a loss estimated at more than $100,000, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Local station WREG reported that police released photos of the suspects, showing two individuals officers want to identify. The outlet noted that investigators are asking anyone with tips to call CrimeStoppers at the department’s tipline.
Why thieves target backflow devices and wiring
Backflow devices and heavy-gauge wiring contain brass and copper that scrap yards pay for, making them easy money for thieves and an expensive headache for property owners. Replacing stolen gear can run into the thousands and knock businesses offline while repairs are made.
Memphis has seen similar hits before, including a theft at Gordon Elementary last August and a 2024 copper theft that ended in a police chase, as reported by Action News 5.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and other leads, and anyone who saw suspicious activity near the Winchester Road property or who has relevant video is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, according to WREG.
