A 44-year-old man has been charged with a series of copper thefts in Greater Sudbury that caused between $400,000 and $450,000 in damage. Greater Sudbury police say the thefts occurred between Aug. 31 and Sept. 20, “targeting commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units throughout the city.” “Police received numerous reports involving damaged commercial HVAC units and the theft of copper piping, wiring, coils and other components from businesses and organizations across Greater Sudbury,” police said in a news release Sept. 23. Suspect caught on video “The incidents occurred at multiple locations, including businesses along Notre Dame Avenue, places of worship, the Sudbury District Library, the Sudbury Curling Club and a local medical office.” The investigation included reviewing surveillance footage from several crime scenes, allowing investigators to identify a suspect frequently seen near the crime scenes. “CCTV footage captured the suspect wearing distinctive clothing and footwear, travelling by bicycle and pulling a red carrier with reflective siding,” police said. “In one incident, the suspect was observed actively dismantling an HVAC unit and removing copper components.” The 44-year-old suspect was arrested Sept. 22. “During a search conducted incident to arrest, officers seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl and a tool believed to have been used to access HVAC units during the commission of the offences,” police said. Damage estimate could rise “The total damage associated with these incidents is currently estimated to be between $400,000 and $445,000. Investigators anticipate this figure may increase as affected businesses continue to obtain repair and replacement estimates.” Charges include 11 counts of theft under $5,000, 10 counts of mischief over $5,000, four counts of mischief under $5,000, drug possession and possession of break-in instruments, He was held in custody overnight and will attend bail court Wednesday. “The investigation remains ongoing,” police said. “Investigators continue to work toward identifying and locating additional individuals believed to have been involved in some of the incidents. Anyone with information related to these occurrences is asked to contact police.” Anyone with information can contact the Greater Sudbury Police Service at 705-675-9171. To remain anonymous, contact Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.
