While on regular patrols between Scottsville and Hayfields, a Mi7 Reaction Officer spotted a small fire emanating from bushes alongside the New England Road offramp.
The Reaction Officer stopped to inspect, and noticed a man burning items under a tree. When he approached, the Reaction Officer noticed the man was burning cables and other items in order to retrieve the copper from contained inside. Through this process, the man had already collected a bag containing about 10kgs of stripped copper.
The man was questioned, and provided several different versions of events as to where he obtained the material, drawing the Reaction Officer’s suspicion. He was also found in possession of housebreaking implements.
The man was escorted to a nearby police station where the matter is under further investigation.
Vigilant Mi7 Reaction Officers apprehend alleged copper thief https://t.co/Ma7MLQfJyN#ArriveAlive #CopperTheft #Enforcement #Mi7NationalGroup pic.twitter.com/XvLaEJutCC
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 7, 2024