>

No murder, just theft / property damage, could've been much worse.   Srsly though if you're having contractor work done -- monitor your stuff, minimize opportunity theft.  Had home water damage, dozens of random workers in & out over months.  Sometime later realized my VERY OLD but trusty extension ladder is gone.  Annoying...  :-/
Aren't lighting rods less expensive? >

Right, for protecting high value structures like launch pads, airports. Once off the ground planes & rockets are designed to handle lightning strikes themselves. Not to replace lighting rods for our homes.  
Neighbor's house had roof work done - workers stripped out & stole the copper lightning protection.  House was struck in the next storm, caught fire, several thousands in damages...  Thanks, Ben Franklin! >

What a cunt, I hope that worker gets arrested for murder