Metal thefts increase in Ventura County.

Byline: Adam Foxman

Aug. 20--A brass and copper dolphin statue, 8,700 feet of copper wire, two 6-foot steel rollers, 11 manhole covers. These were a few of the items reported stolen in Ventura County in recent months amid an increase in metal thefts. A periodic problem in Ventura County and around the state, metal thefts often rise in tandem with metal recycling prices, as they have recently, authorities said. Thieves -- often drug users trying to support their habits -- generally steal metal for the quick money they can get recycling it, officials say.

"You can see a direct correlation with the increase in prices," said agricultural crimes detective Ray …