Copper downspout thefts are continuing to plague the area, according to Lower Merion police, as last week there were three separate incidents.

Police said 16 12-foot sections of copper downspouts were reported stolen from Wynnewood Park Apartments at 9:30 a.m. on March 28. The downspouts went missing sometime overnight and no one was seen or heard.

Two days later, in an apparently related crime, copper downspouts were discovered stolen from the Haverford Gables apartment complex on the 300 block of W. Montgomery Avenue in Haverford. The downspouts were stolen sometime overnight, police said. Like the first theft, it is unknown who took them and the crime had no witnesses.

A third theft was discovered the following day. Police say copper downspouts were stolen from a detached garage on the 100 block of Avon Road in Haverford sometime between March 27 and 31. The homeowner reported three 10-foot sections of copper downspouts had been stolen.

Last summer, Lower Merion police issued the following warning after a spate of similar crimes:

"There has been a significant increase in reported thefts of copper downspouts from residences in Lower Merion Township since January 2011. Thefts of various forms of copper have been on the rise in the region due to the high price of scrap copper.

"A possible suspect vehicle is a gray 2000 Ford Econoline Van, PA registration YXB-1958, with numerous ladders on a roof rack.

"Residents are encouraged to contact the Lower Merion Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 if this van is observed, or if any suspicious person(s) or vehicle(s), especially any work vehicles, are seen in your community."

Ardmore Patch will continue to monitor the situation.