Sold for Scrap? Automatic toilet flushers stolen from Ohio businesses

(CBS/AP) COLUMBUS, Ohio - Apparently one man's toilet flusher is another man's treasure.

Automatic toilet flushers have been disappearing from bathrooms at restaurants and other businesses in central Ohio, because of their supposed resale value.

Who knew?

Handyman John Hahn tells CBS affiliate WBNS the flushers are likely being stolen for scrap because they contain a metal called red brass that can bring $2.50 per pound.

Police say it's been happening in at least a couple Columbus suburbs. Investigators say they're not certain whether the thefts of the toilet flushers in the Columbus suburbs are related.