Two men charged after copper wire theft in Geary, N.B.

An RCMP detachment can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

Two people have been charged and a third arrested in connection with copper wire theft in Geary, N.B.

The Oromocto RCMP received a tip early Friday morning that someone was driving an all-terrain vehicle loaded with copper wire.

“Shortly after, members of the Oromocto RCMP attended a residence on Broad Road, in Geary, and arrested a 45-year-old man, a 28-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy all from Geary. While at the location, police observed rods of copper wires on the property,” reads a news release from the New Brunswick RCMP.

Later that evening officers executed a search warrant at the same residence. Police say the officers seized around 330 feet of high-grade copper wire, a stolen trailer and stolen military kit.

The 17-year-old was released from custody. Jason Cote, 45, and Riley Novak, 28, appeared in Fredericton provincial court on Saturday. They were both charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and were released from custody, pending a future court appearance.

“Copper wire thefts also pose a significant risk to public safety as it can limit access to 911 and other critical infrastructure,” reads the release.

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