By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: April 30, 2012
Squamish RCMP has identified suspects in the recent rash of copper thefts.
They are well-known to the police, said Sgt. Wayne Pride.
There have been a string of copper thefts in the community. First it was the West Coast Heritage Association, then it was BC Hydro building, and the the Woodfibre mill.
Thieves seem to have a declared an open season on copper, a metal whose soaring prices have made it an easy target for thieves across North America.
There have been at least six instances of copper thefts in Squamish, three in the past week alone.
On Friday, April 27th, a copper wire theft was reported from the Woodfibre Mill.
Two males were reported to have stolen copper wire. They left the area in a small dingy, possibly heading towards Britannia Beach at approx. 4:30 p.m. Police has identified potential suspects.
Another copper wire theft was reported from the BC Hydro sub station at Britannia Beach. The incident occurred during the early morning hours on Thursday April. 26th.
Entry to the site was gained by cutting a lock on the gate surrounding the property.
Thieves got away with approx. $200 in wire, but the estimated cost to repair the damages is approx. $10,000.
Another copper theft incident was reported today in the wee hours of the morning when police responded to a report of a suspicious male at a storage facility in the 39000 block of Queens Way.
The suspect was described as a Caucasian male in his 30s, of medium build, 5’10”, wearing a red hat and carrying a backpack.
He was reported to be in possession of some copper wire. The police managed to recover the copper wire, but the male fled the scene and could not be located. The investigation is ongoing to identify the suspect and locate the origins of the copper wire.
If anyone has any information relating to the ongoing copper wire thefts or any other crimes, they are encouraged to contact the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Don Patrick says
Bring in the unmaned aircraft with the Stinger missils, ID these suspects and when they are near an industrial site just push the button….extremists do not seem to approve of this method but it is working and the court costs are minimal.