Suffolk police officers on the lookout for illegal ATV riders stumbled upon a more serious crime in Shoreham Tuesday.

Philip Eirman and Richard Weiss, both of Wading River, were allegedly cutting down KeySpan utility poles off North Country Road when police spotted them. Police said the suspects were stealing the valuable copper cables attached to the 30-foot poles.

Five utility poles were taken down, with one being used to block the road, police said. Investigators confiscated a chainsaw, wire cutters and bolt cutters.

Police said there has been a spike in copper thefts, particularly from utility poles and homes under construction, due to the metal's current worth.

In addition to charges stemming from this incident, police said Eirman, who has a previous criminal record, would be prosecuted on several outstanding warrants.