A Chatham business has been left with a hefty clean-up bill following a pair of break-ins this week.

According to Chatham-Kent Police, thieves forced their way into a fenced compound on Queen Street early Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Authorities say the culprits dismantled several old transformers that were slated to be recycled and tipped out all of the oil while removing the inner components. Copper bars were also taken inside the transformer.

The value of the theft is estimated at $3000, while the cost of the environmental clean-up is roughly $15,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Corey Aitken at coreya@chatham-kent.ca or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477.)