Watch: Suspect sought in theft of historic brass railings at Philadelphia's City Hall

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a theft at city hall after a section of the building's historic brass railing was stolen. 

Authorities say a large section of the railing was taken around 6:30 a.m. Thursday by at least one person. The value of the damage is estimated to be around $20,000. 

The Philadelphia Police Department shared surveillance video of the suspect, who they describe as a white man with facial hair pushing a red shopping cart with several items inside.

According to the sources, the railing that surrounds city hall is believed to be decades old. A similar railing was damaged at the Union League's building in 2016 when thieves cut the brass railing. 

"People junk and scavenge," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said. "People given the opportunity for precious metals will - sad to say because of the situations they're in - will try to take that stuff."