The latest message from the Altadena Sheriff's Dept. regarding the wave of metal scavengers:

An update regarding the individuals stealing items from yards in the Chaney Trail area (as well as the rest of Altadena).  We identified the individuals and located their trucks.  Today we conducted a search of a property in Altadena.  It appears these individuals run a legitimate scrap business.  It seems that they have gotten a bit carried away and have moved away from just taking scrap to taking items from yards.  Unfortunately most of their business is metal and they take the items to the disposed of the same day they obtain them.  We are continuing to follow up with the investigation.  We did issue citations on the trucks and advised the individuals we will be watching them very carefully and advised them Altadena is not a place for them to conduct their business.