Two City Men Charged with Copper Theft

Two alleged copper thieves were caught in the act at a vacant East Main Street home Monday night, Meriden Police said Wednesday.

Neighbors of a vacant home at 443 East Main St. called police at about 11:30 p.m. Monday, after hearing glass breaking and other suspicious noises at the house, according to Police Spokesman Det. Lt. Mark Walerysiak.

Upon arrival, officers allegedly found two men inside trying to steal copper piping. Police say they also found tools belonging to the men on scene.

Police charged Charles Cunning, 32, of 80 East Main St., Meriden, and Bryan Churuck, 54, of 38 Benjamin St, Meriden with First Degree Burglary, Possession of Burglar Tools, Third Degree Criminal Mischief, Sixth Degree Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny, Sixth Degree Conspiracy Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny, and Third Degree Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief.

Both are due in court on Feb. 3, and were held on $10,000 bond.

Walerysiak said it's unusual to catch burglars in the act, and lauded neighbors for calling in the suspicious noises.

"If your neighbor might be away, or a house is vacant, and you hear noises or see people around the property, call us," Walerysiak said. "We’re used to to those type of of calls."