by Newfie » Mon 12 May 2008, 17:26:45
And in Nova Scotia from CBCnews.ca
RCMP investigating a metal theft in Annapolis County have found a lengthy trail of evidence.
Metal bandits used an excavator to dig up an old water line between Cornwallis Park and Moose River — the equivalent of 1.6 kilometres of iron pipe.
"We've had a lot of copper piping stolen, electrical wire stolen, but nothing to this extent. I'm not aware of anybody actually in the province having to investigate such a large theft of [iron]," said Const. Dale Guy, with Annapolis RCMP.
The theft along an abandoned railway line happened sometime earlier this month.
Investigators only learned about it after residents complained about the late-night racket. A check with the municipality and the Department of Natural Resources revealed no official project was underway.
Guy said an unsuspecting scrap metal dealer in Marshalltown paid more than $20,000 for the stolen load.
"He was just an honest businessman trying to make a living and in good faith purchased the large amount of piping. Unfortunately, now he may be out a considerable amount of money, and I guess if there's any restitution as such hopefully down the road the courts may see fit to authorize that," Guy said.
Metal thieves hoping to cash in on soaring metal prices have hit a number of targets in Nova Scotia, including power lines and substations, and cemeteries and ballparks.
The provincial government plans to crack down on the sale of stolen scrap metal by requiring dealers to keep records of who they buy from. Police would then have access to those documents for their investigations.
Guy said there are two suspects in the Annapolis County case, but he said RCMP need more time to interview witnesses before charges are laid.
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