GARDINER — Police are investigating a series of thefts of catalytic converters during the past 10 to 14 days.

The thieves struck again late Wednesday and early Thursday in the area of Highland Avenue.

Gardiner Police Chief James Toman said the converters, prized for the precious metals they contain, were cut from private and commercial vehicles.

The reports started coming in about 10 a.m. and continued through the afternoon.

“Our investigation is open and continuing,” Toman said Friday.

He encouraged people to lock their vehicles, install motion lights and report any unusual activity, particularly light at night.

“It could help us determine who is responsible,” he said.

Wiring stolen from house in Manchester

MANCHESTER — In apparently separate metal thefts this week, Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, reported that a house under construction in Manchester was stripped of its new wiring and the Central Maine Power Co. substation on the Puddleduck Road in Manchester also was stripped of a considerable amount of copper wiring.

Troopers are investigating.

AUGUSTA

THURSDAY

At 2:32 p.m., an assault was reported on Burns Road.

3:40 p.m., shoplifting was reported at a Cony Street supermarket.

4:32 p.m., an Eastern Avenue caller reported burglary.

4:54 p.m., a 29-year-old Gardiner woman was summonsed on a charge of theft at a Cony Street supermarket.

5:25 p.m., a Maureen Drive caller reported theft.

7:39 p.m., Craig Alan Kliphan, 50, of Windsor, was arrested on Cony Street on a warrant from Augusta District Court.

FRIDAY

At 5:03 p.m., Joshua Ryan Lemar, 28, of Whitefield, was arrested on Stony Brook Road on charges of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, criminal mischief, criminal trespass an possession of burglar’s tools. Also summonsed as part of the same incident was Zakkery R. Garfield, 18, of Farmingdale. Garfield was charged with theft by unauthorized taking or transfer as was a 15-year-old, who was also charged with criminal trespass.

7:56 a.m., a caller from a Civic Center Drive convenience store reported terrorizing.

CHINA

THURSDAY

At 10:29 p.m., a Smith Road caller reported suspicious activity.

GARDINER

THURSDAY

At 5:40 p.m., a juvenile was summonsed at a market on a charge of theft after alcohol was reported stolen. Police Chief James Toman said the juvenile was released to the custody of parents.

11 p.m., John Fortin, 21, of Gardiner was arrested on Warren Avenue on a charge of assault after police were called to respond to a fist fight.

HALLOWELL

THURSDAY

At 4:05 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported on Water Street.

RANDOLPH

THURSDAY

At 8:41 p.m., Johnathan Nathan Caswell, 25, of Randolph, was arrested on Water Street on a warrant on a charge of operating after revocation as well as a new charge of refusing to submit to arrest or detention.