Chrome-plated brass pipes have recently been taken from two McDonald's restaurants in southeastern Pennsylvania, along with Burger Kings elsewhere in the suburbs around Philadelphia.
The suspect takes about four minutes to shut off the water and pull the pipes out of the toilets and urinals, said Jean Morrison, an East Norriton Township detective.
The man's image may have been caught on surveillance video at one of the locations, authorities said.
Morrison said the culprit is most likely selling the brass for scrap.