Copper wire stolen from wind turbines sparks RCMP investigation

RCMP are investigating aft thieves stole copper ligament from wind turbines adjacent nan Alberta-Saskatchewan separator earlier this week.

Members of nan Provost, Alta., detachment confirmed 3 incidents of mischief to upwind turbines complete nan past mates of days.

The Mounties said nan turbines were damaged and had copper ligament stolen from them. The turbines are located northbound of Hayter, Alta., 295 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

“RCMP proceed to analyse but are issuing this warning,” nan RCMP said successful a news release.

“When nan copper grounding is removed from nan structure, immoderate powerfulness surge could electrocute anyone wrong a fewer feet of nan turbine. This poses a threat to nan turbine workers, officers responding to nan crimes and nan suspects who are committing nan crimes.”

Incidents of copper ligament theft person been connected nan emergence crossed Canada.

Three group were arrested connected Wednesday greeting aft they were caught stealing copper ligament from an lipid site.

On July 6, Innisfail RCMP said it was besides investigating aft thieves collapsed done a gross connected an lipid section tract westbound of Spruce View, adjacent Red Deer.

In November 2023, 2 men from confederate Alberta men were charged aft they were caught “actively stripping wire” from a upwind turbine successful Pincher Creek, Alta.

“Copper ligament thefts straight effect Alberta’s Critical Infrastructure and has a ample economical effect connected each Canadians,” sounds a Wednesday news merchandise from RCMP.

“The costs of replacing stolen copper ligament is passed connected to nan consumers and successful immoderate cases, nan companies terminate their labor successful nan areas wherever nan ligament was stolen alternatively of replacing it.

“Copper ligament theft has to beryllium treated arsenic a superior offence successful Canada. Theft of copper ligament poses a threat not only to those committing nan offence but besides to nan public, necessitating constabulary intervention.”

Provost RCMP are asking anyone pinch accusation astir these crimes to interaction them. Anonymous tips tin besides beryllium submitted done Crime Stoppers.