Panels used to erect flood gate stolen

Detectives are investigating the theft of seven aluminum panels tht are used during flood emergencies to close the floodwall at East 18th Street. Several of the panels measure 5 feet by 6 feet and some measure 5 feet by 8 feet. Investigators suspect the thieves will try and sell the panels as scrap metal; the panels are valued at $9,000 and were taken from a secured storage facility