Arson helps police solve theft at plant

A theft could still be unsolved had it not been for an arson.

Cache County sheriff's deputies arrested a man in the theft of nearly $50,000 worth of molds from Silicone Plastics Inc. But they probably never would have caught him if an arsonist hadn't set fire to the plant a few days later, Lt. Matt Bilodeau said.

"It's bad timing on his part," Bilodeau said.

Police said the man was a disgruntled employee and stole two large molds that were still in production and placed them in a Dumpster.

The man was charged with burglary, a third-degree felony, and two counts of second-degree theft. He is currently in the Cache County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Just two days after the theft an arsonist set fire to the Millville plant. The fire caused about $20,000 damage.

Police discovered the theft while investigating the arson.

Bilodeau said police don't believe the thief is the arsonist and are still searching for a suspect in the fire.