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A data-center construction site near Germanna Highway in Culpeper County was burglarized three times between Sept. 22 and Oct. 22, 2026, the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office says. The first theft involved copper piping valued by the sheriff’s office at more than $200,000; a separate theft-alert record lists the reported loss as $230,000. Power tools were taken during a later break-in, and investigators believe the same two men returned for the October incidents.
How many times was the Culpeper construction site hit?
Investigators reported three overnight thefts at the site during a one-month period, from Sept. 22 through Oct. 22, 2026. The incidents involved a copper-pipe theft followed by two break-ins in October.
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Sept. 22–23: copper piping taken
During the first incident, someone cut the front-gate padlock and removed a large quantity of copper piping from locked storage. The sheriff’s office valued the copper at more than $200,000. A separate theft-alert record lists the reported Type L copper-pipe loss at $230,000; the two figures are reported differently and should not be treated as identical.
Oct. 18–19: power tools taken
In the second incident, intruders cut through fencing on the east side of the property, then cut padlocks securing a storage area. A large number of power tools were stolen. Security cameras captured two masked, gloved males.
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Oct. 21–22: another entry through the fence
A third theft occurred overnight just days later. Newly installed cameras recorded people investigators believed were the same two men, apparently entering through the same fence opening used in the prior October break-in.
Who stole the copper and tools, and have the suspects been arrested?
The suspects had not been identified in the latest reports, and no arrest was reported. Investigators believe the same two men were involved in the October incidents; the sheriff’s office has not publicly named them.
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The reported activity window was approximately 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Investigators believe the heavy copper required at least one large vehicle, or multiple vehicles, to remove it. Sheriff Timothy Chilton said, “These are not random hits. The same two people have come back three times in a month, and they know how to get in and out.”
How can you report information about the Culpeper thefts?
Anyone who recognizes the men or their clothing, or who has been offered copper or a large lot of power tools at an unusually low price, can contact lead investigator Detective Millson through the sheriff’s office:
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Send information to investigators rather than approaching or confronting anyone suspected of involvement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of copper was stolen from the Culpeper data-center site?
The theft-alert record identifies the material as Type L copper pipe. The sheriff’s office described the stolen material as copper piping.
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Where was the construction site burglary in Culpeper County?
The site is in the Germanna Highway area of Culpeper County, Virginia. The sheriff’s office has not provided a more specific public address in the reports summarized here.
Were the stolen copper or power tools recovered?
The latest reports summarized by the sheriff’s office did not provide a recovery update. Anyone offered the materials for sale at an unusually low price is asked to pass that information to investigators.
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