Staff report

A Salisbury businessman thwarted would-be thieves who were trying to steal copper wire from his salvage yard.

Two men were caught by Randy Davis, owner of T.H. Davis Co., at his Sherills Ford Road business early Tuesday.

Rowan Sheriff’s Department reports said Davis surprised the men about 2 a.m. They dropped two backpacks filled with 70 pounds of copper wire. A white Honda was found parked off the road about 200 yards from the business. The car was seized by authorities and stored. Authorities think the car might be connected to the attempted theft.

The estimated value of the copper is $175.

In recent months, copper tubing and wires have been stolen from various construction sites and businesses throughout the county.