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Cracking down on copper wire

OPP News Release ******************** Northeastern Ontario - In an effort to curb copper wire thefts across the North East Region, the Ontario Provincial Police is working closely with commercial businesses, Crown corporation facilities, and mining o
OPP News Release

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Northeastern Ontario - In an effort to curb copper wire thefts across the North East Region, the Ontario Provincial Police is working closely with commercial businesses, Crown corporation facilities, and mining operations to increase security in response to the growing number of incidents. Potential sites for copper wire thefts will be the subject of increased police surveillance and patrols.

Increases in the market price of scrap copper have resulted in a substantial increase in these thefts. Selling scrap copper is a cash business regulated by few by-laws and no provincial legislation.

The theft of copper wire often involves cutting of power lines, removal of grounding wires and entry to private facilities that result in a significant safety risk to employees, members of the public and to the culprits.

Police will be seeking maximum sentences for anyone convicted of stealing copper wire.

In the event you are a victim of a theft:

- Call police immediately. The OPP can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-310-1122.

- Do not disturb the theft site until examination by police for potential evidence that will assist in identifying the thieves.

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