By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix police are asking for the public’s help in solving burglaries at a cemetery and a church in the Camelback East neighborhood last month.
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At about 5 a.m. on Aug. 12, unknown suspects entered a cemetery near 48th and Holly streets and removed 17 bronze name plaques, according to Phoenix police.
The plaques were valued at about $25,000.
Sergeant Sheree Lee with the Phoenix Police Department says all the families impacted by this theft have been notified.
“You know, obviously it’s very upsetting that this could happen to anybody,” Sergeant Lee said.
Two weeks later, in the early hours of Aug. 26, two suspects broke into a nearby church on 48th Street and Thomas Road and allegedly stole more bronze and copper items. Police did not provide further details about the theft.
“There was damage done to a door and two doorknobs were taken that were copper, which is why we’re believing they may be related,” Sergeant Lee said.
From the two scenes, the thieves targeted a precious metal and an industrial metal. Copper sells for $6.53 a pound, while bronze goes for just over $4.10.
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“One could assume that they’re using them to melt down for the precious metals that are inside,” Sergeant Lee said.
Police on Tuesday released photos of a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with aftermarket silver rims and a roof rack. The Jeep also has a temporary license plate and a broken rear reverse light on the driver’s side, police said.
Detectives continue to investigate and are asking the community for help in identifying the vehicle believed to be involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. For Spanish speakers, call 480-TESTIGO.
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