SIDNEY, Ky. — A Pike County business caught a man trespassing on their property and believes it has solved a string of copper thefts that have plagued them for years.

Kentucky State Police was called just before 3:30 a.m. Thursday to EMF Rebuild Shop at Sidney, after the security guard reported catching the man and detaining him.

When troopers arrived, they found the guard, the business owner and an employee all keeping an eye on Donald Messer Jr., 32, of Sidney.

The guard told police he saw Messer crossing a gate to get on the property, then found him hiding behind some rocks next to the driveway. Police say he had a set of wire cutters, a flash light, various tools, two backpacks and a large duffel bag in his possession.

When interviewed by police, Messer allegedly admitted that he planned to steal some copper, but said it wouldn’t have been very much, since he was alone and rode his bicycle to the business. But the business owner told police he had video of Messer doing the same thing on several occasions.

Messer reportedly admitted taking copper on several occasions, but said he only took small pieces worth $10 or $15 when he sold them. The business owner said he had sustained more than $10,000 worth of copper loss over the past couple of years, and damages to the property that cost tens of thousands more.

Messer was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary, theft of more than $10,000, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools.