Thanks to a partnership between the Consort RCMP, Coronation RCMP and local industry, officers have made arrests regarding ongoing copper thefts in the region.
The release announcing the arrests notes that the copper thefts have been "affecting Alberta's Critical Infrastructure" so a plan was established between the three partners to locate suspects engaged in the activity.
Shortly before 10 p.m. on July 1, the partnership paid off when the RCMP was able to locate two suspects on an oilfield lease site in the process of stealing copper wire.
While the two suspects were taken into custody with no issues, a search of their vehicle revealed a firearm.
Because of the investigation, the Consort RCMP has charged Megan Ray Cole, 32, of Coronation, Alta., with eight different charges including break and enter of a business, mischief over $5,000, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and others.
Cody Severin, 24, also of Coronation, was charged with nine different offences including break and enter into a business, disguising with intent to commit an offence, mischief over $5,000, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and more.
Both accused were released by a justice of the peace on a $1,500 no cash bail with conditions and both are scheduled to appear in court on July 12 in Coronation.
"Copper wire thefts directly impact Alberta’s Critical Infrastructure and has a large economic impact on all Canadians," continues the media release.
" The cost of replacing stolen copper wire is passed on to the consumers and in some cases the companies terminate their employees in the areas where the wire was stolen instead of replacing it. There is also a danger to the people committing the offence as well as the citizens that require the service to be interrupted. Copper wire theft has to be treated as a serious offence in Canada."
Community members who see suspicious behaviour or drug-related crime are asked to call their local RCMP detachment, local police force, or Alberta Crime Stoppers.
