Theft of 'nuclear-grade pipe' reported

The Callaway County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of a large amount of nuclear-grade pipe from a Kingdom City business.

Deputies responded to Mertens Construction Company, 5660 Old Highway 40, at about 7:43 a.m. Monday for a report of theft of scrap metal. Employees reported that a large amount of steel pipe was stolen.

It was described as having 1-inch thick walls and varies in diameter from 6 inches to 2 feet. The pipe is in 8 foot or smaller lengths and may have spray paint on the pipe, which is extremely heavy.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Callaway County Sheriff's Office at 573-642-7291 or CrimeStoppers. Anonymous tips can also be made through the Callaway County Sheriff's Office website at www.callwaysheriff.org by clicking on the "Crime Tips" tab.