Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: A Tilbury man has been arrested following an investigation into two separate break-and-enter incidents involving the theft of copper wire from a business in Tilbury, Chatham-Kent police said.
Police reported that during the week of Jan. 5, a business located on Industrial Park Road was targeted twice. In both incidents, copper wire was stolen and significant damage was caused to the equipment housing the wire, resulting in an estimated total repair cost of about $260,000.
On Jan. 9, members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service intelligence unit executed a search warrant at a Tilbury residence. A 24-year-old Tilbury man was arrested and charged with two counts of break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and mischief over $5,000. Police said copper wire and related equipment belonging to the business were recovered during the investigation.
The accused was transported to the South West Detention Centre and remains in custody pending a video court appearance scheduled for Jan. 12.
Police said copper wire thefts pose a serious risk to businesses and critical infrastructure and noted the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police or Crime Stoppers.
