Copper wire thefts at oilfield sites cause $300K in damage

Police have arrested two men who they say caused about $300,000 in damage to oilfield well sites near Calgary by ripping out and stealing copper wire.

Brian Tanner, 43, and Jonathan Paul, 38, both from Calgary, were arrested on Jan. 18 with the help of High River RCMP.

It's alleged the men damaged multiple oilfield sites when they cut the wire out of the buildings.

Unstripped copper wire and tools, including bolt cutters, were found in a vehicle belonging to one of the suspects, RCMP said.

The suspects were arrested in Calgary.

After being released by Calgary police, Tanner was re-arrested on Jan. 29 by Nanton RCMPas he was attempting to steal copper wire worth more than $50,000from an industrial site near Parkland, Alta.

He is set to appear in Fort Macleodprovincial court on Feb. 13.