In mid April, Lethbridge Police Service Priority Crimes Unit and the RCMP Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (SACRU) entered into a joint investigation after numerous break and enters and thefts were reported in Rural Southern Alberta.
On April 23, 2021, the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (SACRU) and the Lethbridge Police Service Priority Crimes Unit arrested a male for break and enter and theft at multiple oil lease sites in Southern Alberta.
The thefts occurred in Vulcan, Diamond City, Welling and Claresholm, Alta. Over $85,000.00 worth of stolen property and damages were incurred at these sites. Copper wire, metal signs and break-in tools were recovered from the male's vehicle.
A 44-year-old male of Calgary, Alta. has been charged with the following:
- Break and enter (x5)
- Possession of stolen property over $5000
- Possession of break in instruments
- Fail to comply
The 44-year-old male was remanded into custody following a Judicial Interim Hearing and is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on May 5, 2021 and Calgary Provincial Court on May 6, 2021.
The RCMP Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (SACRU) would like to thank local land owners for use of their property during the investigation.
Copper wire theft has been an on-again/off-again trend and is currently on the rise in rural commercial sites. The value of the copper is dependent on the market. People who are involved in copper theft are generally involved in other crimes.
If you suspect criminal activity in your community, please contact your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.