Police investigate copper wire thefts in northwestern Ont.

One suspect has been charged, and police are looking for others, following multiple incidents of copper wire thefts, Kenora Ontario Provincial Police say. (File photo)

One suspect has been charged, and police are looking for others, following multiple incidents of copper wire thefts, Kenora Ontario Provincial Police say.

The first incident took place June 11 and damaged Bell Canada service lines on Transmitter Road.

“Officers responded after a Bell employee reported that a male dressed in black had cut and removed cable before fleeing into the nearby bush,” police said in a news release July 5.

“A Toyota Tundra associated (with) the suspect was located at the scene.”

A search of the area ended with the arrest of a suspect, who was charged with mischief over $5,000.

“The damaged lines were recovered and the associated vehicle was seized for identification purposes,” police said.

“Kenora OPP remind the public to report suspicious activity involving critical infrastructure immediately.”

Cutting tool left behind

No arrests have yet been made in another incident June 19, also on Transmitter Road.

“Bell Canada workers discovered damaged communication lines along the railroad tracks near 600 Transmitter Road,” the OPP said.

“Bell staff reported that sections of copper line had been cut and that tools believed to belong to the suspect were left behind. Workers advised that a service disruption alert was received earlier that morning. Upon attending the location, they located a cutting tool still lodged in the cable, multiple cut ends along the line and a transformer that had been damaged.”

It appears as though other wire had been taken previously, police said, with “the most recent cut triggering the alert.”

The tool left behind was seized and swabbed for DNA as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area of Transmitter Road or the nearby rail line, or who has information related to copper wire thefts, is urged to contact the Kenora OPP,” the release said.

Police can be reached at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.