A local plant employee has been arrested and charged with theft after copper went missing at the plant, Brewton police said Thursday.

Joseph Nelson, an employee at Grede, was charged with second-degree theft after police investigated the case. Officers investigated several scrap yards for the sale of copper, Police Chief Monte McGougin said.

“The price of copper is very expensive, averaging $3.70 a pound,” McGougin said. “Everyone needs to be aware and take precautions. If anything seems to be out of the ordinary, please contact the Brewton Police Department at 251-867-3212.