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Police probe thefts of dead batteries in South Strabane Twp.

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Police in South Strabane Township said thieves are stealing dead batteries in bulk from Sam's Club and Walmart stores, apparently because they're worth as much as $12 each when sold for scrap.

Police said they’re investigating the thefts from a Sam's Club store and they have learned from other departments that more than 700 batteries have been stolen from those stores and Walmart in 12 Pennsylvania and Ohio towns in recent weeks.

Authorities said two men driving a white Penske box truck are suspected of driving to the stores and taking the batteries. About 45 were stolen from the South Strabane Sam's Club and 200 from a Walmart in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County.

The batteries are turned in by customers who buy new ones.

Officials said the stolen batteries could be worth as much as $8,000.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact police.