Two people in connection with recent copper wiring thefts have been arrested, according to the NWI Times.
The thieves—an Indiana man and another from Illinois—have been hitting high school football fields in several communities, including Whiting and East Chicago, officials said.
Charges are pending, though the Hammond mayor says he wants the FBI to intervene and file federal charges as well.
One of the schools impacted by the recent rash of thefts is East Chicago Central High School in Hammond, which was hit earlier last week by thieves attempting to steal copper wiring from their lighting system.
"We are a very resilient community and our athletic events have not been cancelled and our students will still be participating in their scheduled events,” the district said in a statement.
The Hammond Police Department was offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of those involved.
"We are hoping that this brings a greater awareness in our communities that this criminal activity is happening and will not be tolerated," Hammond police Lt. Steve Kellogg said in a news release to the Times of Northwest Indiana.
Police said the thieves were posing as utility workers, and often went unnoticed when they were stealing the wiring. City officials have told reporters that the thieves have caused millions of dollars in damage with the thefts.
At Clark High School, students were preparing to celebrate their Homecoming game, but thieves have also struck that school on two different occasions, including Tuesday afternoon.
Gavit High School was also hit, and was forced to cancel a football game against East Chicago Central due to thefts.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hammond Police Department.
