In terms of bulk and size, this has to be one of the largest thefts in history. This theft takes stealing for scrap metal to a whole new level!

How much do you think you could get if you ripped off and scrapped an entire bridge?

Two brothers have been charged with stealing a western Pennsylvania bridge and selling the 15 1/2 tons of scrap metal for more than $5,000.

Police say 24-year-old Benjamin Arthur Jones and 25-year-old Alexander Williams Jones of New Castle used a blowtorch to break up the bridge in late September or early October. They face felony charges of criminal mischief, theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Authorities say Alexander Jones told a recycling company employee that he had permission to carve the bridge for scrap and showed the employee cellphone photos of the bridge.

The 50-foot-long by 20-foot-wide Covert’s Crossing Bridge was in a wooded area about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh.

The Answer

With metal theft at all-time highs and reaching epidemic proportions, what is the answer to stop this nonsense? Here it is - the recycling company called police.

Now I am not one for government regulation, but it appears there needs to be some oversight at places taking scrap metal right now. What do you think?