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By rdnewsNOW staff

Collaborative Effort

Alberta RCMP coordinate with communities to curtail copper wire crooks

Oct 1, 2024 | 4:19 PM

The Alberta RCMP is launching a community initiative in response to concerns about ongoing copper wire theft in eastern Alberta.

To reduce the amount of theft, Mounties say the RCMP’s Eastern and Central District’s Crime Reduction Units, along with K Division Criminal Analysis Section (K/DCAS), and Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch will be working with industry partners to determine areas that are being targeted and develop strategies to investigate, identify, and ultimately arrest the individuals who are causing the most harm related to copper wire and precious metal thefts.

Police say precious metals like copper are used in a variety of projects ranging from large scale industrial sites like power plants, cellphone towers, and pipelines, to smaller uses like the wiring in homes.

According to RCMP, copper wire and other precious metals can be difficult to track making them ideal targets for criminals to steal. Mounties note, the theft of copper wire can have a large impact on the public, whether it’s having spare wire stolen from your personal property or damage caused to vital infrastructure across the province.

Last year in Alberta, police say losses from copper wire theft including damages to property was in excess of 10 million dollars. RCMP say there are a variety of things the public and companies can do to help reduce the likelihood of copper wire theft in your communities:

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• Consider installing an alarm system with remote monitoring of surveillance cameras.
• Ensure each entrance and exit of your commercial property has proper lighting and surveillance cameras clearly visible to deter criminal activity.
• Arrange to have your precious metals laser engraved, so they can be easier identified and returned if recovered.
• For metal purchasers, be cautious about purchasing material from unknown or suspicious sellers.
• Always secure your valuables in a secure area.
• Invest in fencing for extra protection and ensure it’s well-maintained
• Always report suspicious persons you see at work sites, or on your property.

“The reality of the situation is, because copper wire is so common and can be almost impossible to identify if it isn’t laser engraved, catching and charging copper wire thieves can be very difficult,” said Staff Sergeant John Pike District Advisory non-commissioned officer of the RCMP Eastern Alberta District. “There are thousands of sites using copper wire, and we can’t be at all of them. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to do their part, whether its securing your property, reporting suspicious activity, or questioning sellers.”

If you have any information about crimes in your community, call your local RCMP detachment. 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

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