Man arrested, charged following theft of ‘large volume’ of copper wire in southeast Calgary

Calgary police say they’ve arrested a man who had “a large volume” of stolen copper wire in the back of his truck.

The 44-year-old was pulled over and arrested in the early morning hours of Feb. 1 in the southeast Calgary community of Chaparral.

He was picked up following the reported theft in Seton and reported prowling in Wolf Willow, both also in the city’s southeast.

In Seton, police say CCTV captured “a man carrying a cutting tool and jumping into an open trench where copper wire had been installed.”

Then, in Wolf Willow, CCTV captured “a truck driving behind houses under construction.”

Security guards watching the cameras at the time called in both incidents.

Responding officers spotted a truck matching the description leaving a gas station in Chaparral while on their way.

Police say the man inside the truck also matched the description.

According to police, they discovered roughly 180 feet, or $3,000 worth, of copper wire and a reciprocating saw they later confirmed was used to cut the material free.

The man has been charged with break-and-enter and commit theft, possession of locally stolen property under $5,000, failing to comply with a release order and breach of probation.

“This case highlights the importance of promptly reporting incidents to ensure timely investigations, prevent further harm and increase the chances of recovering stolen property,” Insp. Darry Midtdal said on behalf of the Calgary Police Service.