Thieves stole $3,000 worth of copper pipes from a 19th-century farmhouse in York County which is being renovated by a non-profit group.

The farmhouse, which is located on Horn Road in Hellam Township, belongs to the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education. The executive director, Debbie Krout-Althoff, said they're renovating the building so it will serve as office space and as a home for a master gardener. They're trying to launch an agricultural education program that will teach residents about the area's farming heritage and encourage healthy eating habits.

"Just when we're really starting to get momentum something discouraging like this happens," said Krout-Althoff.

She said in the process of stealing the copper pipes the thieves broke a boiler that the group had just spent $3,000 fixing.

They have insurance to cover the theft but will have to pay the $1,000 deductible - an expense they were not prepared to have.

Krout-Althoff is hoping anyone with extra piping materials or with installation expertise will contact her. She said since they're a non-profit group any assistance would be tax deductible.

For contact information go to www.hornfarmcenter.org/ContactUs.aspx

Meanwhile police said they have no suspects in the case.

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