Investigators think a thief, or thieves, looking for valuable scrap metal, removed brass components from oil-storage equipment late last week.
Anstine-Musgrove Oil Company reported the loss of a brass fixture from an oil tank battery in rural Winfield. The company’s loss was estimated at $20,000.
The component was a fluid end from a water pump and was 30 inches long, 18 inches wide and deep and weighed about 200 pounds, according to a report filed with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Department. Whoever took the item dragged it for some distance but deputies lost the trail due to recent work by a road grader.
The same oil company reported the loss of a salt water pump and motor stolen from a lot located near Camp Quaker Haven on 312th Road in rural Arkansas City. That loss totaled roughly $5,000. Anstine-Musgrove also reported a $15 loss at a third location.
AAS Oil Company also reported some brass fixtures missing and reported a lost of about $120. Suspects have not been identified in the case but investigators believe the equipment was taken so that it could be resold.