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"Bathroom bandit" stealing from stalls at businesses in Ohio, police say

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police in Ohio's capital are searching for a man who's been pilfering plumbing from stores, hospitals and restaurants.

Dubbed the Bathroom Bandit, Columbus police say he enters various local establishments, visits the men's restroom, disconnects the plumbing and leaves with the stolen parts in his backpack.

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Toilet at a Columbus business shows the missing plumping. CBS affiliate WBNS


A police department spokeswoman says the businesses won't only have to replace the parts, but hire a plumber to repair the man's toilet tinkering. She said his crimes may be unusual, but they're still felonies.

The thief has struck a Kmart, several restaurants and the Mount Carmel West Hospital, all on the city's west side.

Other targeted businesses include a Target, Applebees restaurant, McDonalds and Taco Bell, CBS affiliate WBNS reported.

He is described as a white male between 40 and 50 years old, 5'7" to 5'11" and 180 to 200 pounds. He's been seen driving a black Honda Accord.

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