Provincial police were summoned to a construction and quarry site on Lafontaine Road East in Tiny Township on Monday regarding the theft of copper. Police determined that sometime between Friday and Saturday, a man entered the property on a motorized electric-style tricycle. He broke into secured storage containers and removed copper electrical wiring from a piece of heavy equipment. The theft caused approximately $60,000 in damage, rendering the equipment inoperable and causing a work stoppage. Southern Georgian Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), identified a suspect who had allegedly sold stolen copper and brass to a local scrap metal recycler. Police recovered copper and brass confirmed to have originated from the construction site. A 55-year-old Penetanguishene man was charged with the following: The man was held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice. The Southern Georgian Bay OPP states in a press release that “thefts involving copper and other recyclable metals can have significant impacts on businesses, construction projects, and critical infrastructure. Police encourage the public to report suspicious activity involving construction sites, utility infrastructure, and scrap metal recycling facilities.” Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is asked to contact the Southern Georgian Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
