Chocolate Nugget targeted by thieves

The lure of a quick buck likely prompted thieves to make off with an enormous copper kettle perched outside the Washoe Valley Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory for more than two decades.

Owner Dan Salzwimmer said workers noticed the kettle, weighing between 700 and 1,000 pounds, missing Tuesday. A similar one sits outside the Mound House Chocolate Nugget, which Salzwimmer also owns. It has since been welded onto its frame.

"It had to be in the middle of the night when they took it. The thing faced Highway 395, so somebody going by would have hopefully seen something," said Salzwimmer. "The porch lights were on, somebody might have seen some movement up there."

Area law enforcement agencies have seen an increase in scrap metal thefts, one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation, in recent months. On Thursday, copper prices were at $4.30 a pound, making the kettle worth about $4,000.

According to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., an increase in demand for copper, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel and scrap iron from Asian markets such as China and India has created a thriving international scrap trade, resulting in much higher prices.

Salzwimmer suspects there had to be more than two people involved and because of the size of the pot - about three feet in diameter and six feet tall when assembled - a pickup truck would be needed to haul it away.

"This thing was so heavy two people couldn't lift it," he said.

Salzwimmer has owned candy shops since the early 1980s. He said he purchased the kettles some 20 years ago. The one that went missing was made in 1914.

Initially, he thought, the thieves would try to sell it as an antique, but upon hearing the copper prices, he figured they cared little about its historic value.

"I'd really hate to see it destroyed. There aren't

that many left," said Salzwimmer.

Anyone with information related to the theft of the kettle can call the Washoe Valley store at 849-0841.

As always, Secret Witness offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of people committing any crimes. To make an anonymous tip to Secret Witness and possibly become eligible for a reward, call 322-4900.