Thieves target commercial site, stealing over $20K in copper wire: OPP

A section of chain-link fencing is cut and removed at a Stewart Road site in Collingwood, Ont.

A commercial property in Collingwood has been targeted by thieves for the third time this year, as suspects made off with more than $20,000 worth of copper wire in a weekend break-in.

According to OPP, the theft happened sometime between Saturday afternoon and early Monday morning at the Stewart Road site. Investigators say the suspects gained access by cutting several holes in the chain-link fencing surrounding the site. One particularly large section of fence was removed, likely to allow a vehicle onto the property to load stolen items, police say.

Once inside, OPP says the suspects broke into a storage shed and stole several hundred metres of heavy-duty copper wire meant for underground commercial work. Police believe the job was well-organized and deliberate, raising concerns about targeted thefts in the area.

Police urge anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or who has video footage of the area during the timeline listed to contact the authorities.