SYRACUSE -- Syracuse Police confirm there was a break-in last month at 980 James Street, the former home of WTVH-TV in Syracuse. The thieves were targeting copper piping.

The theft of the metal has been the subject of major news attention  recently, with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) proposing tough new federal laws aimed at those who steal copper from public entities including schools and bridges. Syracuse Police earlier this year started a new initiative to fight scrap metal thefts. According to authorities, this type of crime has gone up 50%. 

Sometime between August 10-14, police say the thieves entered the former Channel 5 building, which is currently for sale, and attemped to steal copper piping. They caused flooding damage by cutting at least one pipe. No one was working in the building at the time, although prior to the crime, two staff members were regularly using the upstairs offices.

Police have not made any arrests. Because of the recent surge in scrap metal thefts, scrap yards in the Syracuse area require anyone dropping off scrap metal to provide photo identification. Police have said they are working with Syracuse's three scrap yards to track suspicious materials.