Guelph residents caught with copper wire worth more than $1K

Copper telecommunications wire recovered by Wellington County OPP. (Provided)

Four Guelph residents are accused of stealing approximately $1,200 worth of copper wire.

Ontario Provincial Police said an officer with their Wellington County detachment was on proactive patrol when, around 2 p.m. Monday, they spotted a group of people loading “suspicious” items into the back of a vehicle on York Road.

It turned out to be telecommunication wire.

“The damage to property and infrastructure is estimated to exceed $10,000,” OPP said in a media release.

Three men, aged 47, 46 and 43, and a 37-year-old woman, were all charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The 47-year-old was also charged with failing to comply with an undertaking.

Police said thieves target telecommunication lines for the copper, which is then sold off to scrap yards for a profit. That can have serious consequences, as they can interrupt critical and life-saving services such as 911, medical alerts, internet and phone lines.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure is asked to contact their local police service.