A significant amound of copper wire was stolen sometime between between 2 and 4 a.m., Monday June 25, from an industrial gas site located on 304th Street East, north of 306 Avenue, just north of Blackie.

High River RCMP Staff Sergeant Robin Alexander estimates the total amount stolen to be between $2,000 and $3,000, and that the theft was likely carried by a number of people using a large vehicle such as a truck or van."

Alexander says this type of theft is not uncommon, "They go in, strip it out of the ground or wiring from the buildings, and often times no one is the wiser for days or weeks."

Out of the five incidents that occured this year, Alexander says they've been able to catch up with the bad guys more often that not.

"We've been able to lay charges in three of the five, so far."

Alexander says "It's something that's been going on for several years, and theft seem to come in spurts."

However, Alexander says rural communities are getting better at spotting crimes of this calibre.

"The vigilant rural folks who live in isolated areas are leading them to report suspicious behaviours. Which leads us to being able to apprehend more incidents on site. Which leads to more criminal charges being made."

Anyone with information about this or any other crime is urged to contact the High River RCMP at (403)652-2357 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

 

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