COLUMBUS – Police and sheriff’s officials are searching for a man who’s been pilfering plumbing from stores, hospitals and restaurants on the West Side of Columbus and the Grove City area.
Dubbed the Bathroom Bandit, Columbus police say he enters various local establishments, visits the men’s restroom, disconnects the urinals and toilets and leaves with the stolen parts in his backpack.
A police department spokeswoman says the businesses won’t only have to replace the parts, but hire a plumber to repair the man’s toilet tinkering. She said his crimes may be unusual, but they’re still felonies.
The thief has struck a Kmart on Stringtown Road, several restaurants on Georgesville Road and W. Broad Street and the Mount Carmel West Hospital on W. State Street.
He is described as a white male between 40 and 50 years old, 5’7″ to 5’11” tall, 180 to 200 pounds and has been seen driving a black Honda Accord.
Anyone who recognizes the man in the photos or knows anything about the crimes is asked to call the Columbus Police Burglary Unit at 614-645-4780.