Three men have been arrested and there is a warrant for one more after almost $10,000 worth of copper wire was stolen from a rail yard in north-central Edmonton over several months last year.
Between September and November 2023, the Edmonton Police Service stated that officers dealt with multiple break-ins at the Canadian National Railway storage yard along 127 Avenue at 121 Street.
In most cases, thieves cut through fencing to get into the rail yard and take copper wire.
It's believed that over $9,500 worth of copper wire was stolen.
“Copper wire theft is still a major issue in the city of Edmonton,” said EPS west branch investigative response team Acting Det. Tyrone O’Dea.
“In some cases, the damaging nature of these thefts disrupts ongoing infrastructure projects within the city.”
Multiple suspects were identified, leading to a warrant for one man and the arrest of three others.
Mark Gerald Johnston, 37, is facing charges of breaking and entering and six counts of violating a conditional sentence order.
Shane Michael Manning, 38, faces charges for violating a release order, using forged documents and obstructing a police officer.
Michael James Roberts, 50, is facing six counts of breaking and entering.
Also, at the time of arrest, police reported that Roberts had six outstanding warrants for breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime, possessing break-in tools, failing to comply with a probation order, two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking and failing to appear in court.
Charles Taggart Patterson, 33, has not been found, but there is an arrest warrant for breaking and entering.
Edmonton Police Service
Anyone with information about Patterson's location or any information about copper wire thefts is urged to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
