Police urge 'branding' of batteries
Peoria police are noticing an increase in the number of thefts of batteries from commercial vehicles such as construction equipment and trucks.
Just this month, thieves stole 11 batteries from vehicles at two locations, costing those businesses more than $3,000 in replacement costs.
Police are urging businesses to "brand" their batteries, using paint or engravers to mark batteries to indicate ownership. They're also urging recycling businesses to check incoming batteries for signs that the items may have been stolen, and to record the identification information of anyone who brings in batteries for recycling.
According to Peoria Police, a thief can get about $10-12 for a heavy-duty vehicle battery by taking it to a recycler. However, it can cost the company from which it was stolen hundreds of dollars to replace it.
