Police activity Credit: Geralt / Pixabay.com
The Upper Moreland Police Department has been investigating a series of copper wire thefts from Carr and Duff, a major electrical contractor located at 2100 Byberry Road.
The most recent incident occurred in the early morning hours of Nov. 5, 2025, when three suspects cut a hole in the facility’s perimeter fence and stole a large wooden spool of copper wire valued at around $5,000.
This marked the third theft in ten days from the local business. Previous incidents took place on Oct. 26 and Oct. 31, involving similar methods: suspects cut holes in the fence and removed spools of copper wire weighing several hundred pounds each, moving them across CSX train tracks into nearby Masons Mill Park.
Fideri News Network first reported the incident where one suspect was charged, but now police have charged a second suspect.
Authorities identified Derrick Rowland 32, of Philadelphia and Julian Cruz as key participants in the thefts. On Oct. 31, surveillance video showed Rowland and Cruz enter the Carr and Duff property through a hole in the fence in the pre-dawn hours. Rowland, along with two accomplices, cut copper wire from spools in the storage area and loaded it into a Carr and Duff work truck. Cruz retrieved a toolbox containing additional cutting tools to assist with removing more wire.
After filling the truck, the suspects transported the stolen wire to a U-Haul van parked in Masons Mill Park, which became stuck in the mud, causing $1,270 in damage to the baseball field. Rowland coordinated with Cruz via cellphone, arranging towing services to free the van. Video from Cruz’s phone confirmed his presence on the property and captured parts of the theft as it occurred.
During police interviews, Cruz admitted he and Rowland planned to sell the copper wire for scrap and that he was to be paid approximately $300–$400 for his participation. Text messages on Cruz’s phone also confirmed the suspects’ intentions and tracked the events of the night, including when the U-Haul became stuck and needed towing.
Police recovered additional evidence, including clothing Cruz wore during the theft and U-Haul rental records that tied him to the vehicle. The investigation highlighted a coordinated effort by the suspects, who repeatedly targeted the property under the cover of darkness.
Authorities continue to investigate and are working to identify any additional accomplices. The incidents underscore ongoing security concerns for businesses in Huntingdon Valley, particularly those storing valuable materials like copper wire.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
