Neighbors say East Toledo home became a target for stripping

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Residents of Plymouth Street say the house boarded up on the block is not only an eyesore, but has also become a target for stripping. Vandals and thieves removed siding, pipes and even signs installed by the city of Toledo to keep people out.

Suzanne Harris has lived in her East Toledo home for 3 years. She says the boarded house on the block has been an eyesore the whole time.

“I have a 5-year-old, so you never know what kind of people you’re getting in a house like this,” Harris says. “People do crazy things and a house like this is just something to go in and strip the inside not just the outside, and that just leaves it open for everyone.”

City of Toledo officials say they were unable to get in touch with the owner, so they had to take matters into their own hands. Crews placed boards over windows and doors, some of which have since been removed in break-ins. Much to the residents’ delight, the house is on the city’s demolition list.

Andrew Dlugosielski is the Toledo police spokesman, he says stripping is all too common in Toledo but often goes unreported.

“If you see this happening in your neighborhood, give us a call,” says Dlugosielski. “A lot of these homes are being torn down or your neighborhood is trying to be revitalized. And it would cost a lot more to revitalize your neighborhood if the house next to you didn’t have copper pipes that need to be replaced, that have a coating, that things are removed that could bring that house down and damage yours . So if you see it, let us know.

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