Medicine Hat police have charged two more people in connection with copper thefts in and near the southeast Alberta city. Police announced charges laid against 51-year-old Cory Reiger and 55-year-old Dallas MacDougall on Wednesday. Both individuals were charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and trafficking in property obtained by crime. The charges stem from an Oct. 20 incident at an industrial facility in the city. Police said access was gained by cutting through fences. Police said $2,000 to $3,000 worth of “copper-containing cable and related equipment” was stolen. According to police, the investigation led to a residence in Medicine Hat. “Police observed an individual actively stripping copper wire and located a quantity of copper wire, cable casings, tools and other items believed to be connected to the theft,” police said Wednesday in a release. “Investigators subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence.” “Evidence gathered during the investigation, including recovered wire and equipment, was linked to the theft from the industrial facility.” Reiger is next set to appear in court in Medicine Hat on Dec. 16. MacDougall, meantime, is next set to appear in court in Medicine Hat on Dec. 23. ‘A significant impact’ In Wednesday’s release, police said copper thefts “continue to have a significant impact on local businesses and critical infrastructure.” “Beyond the value of the material stolen, these offences frequently result in substantial property damage, service disruptions, costly repairs and interruptions to business operations,” police said. “In many cases, the financial impact of repairs and lost productivity far exceeds the value of the stolen copper.” In an earlier release, police said the costs “are passed onto consumers.” “These investigations are about protecting our community from property crime that can have far-reaching impacts,” police said. ‘Ongoing investigations’ Police noted an investigation earlier this month involving “allegedly stealing copper wire and selling it to recycling facilities for profit.” In that investigation, 43-year-old Brian Aske and 34-year-old Chelsea Grisbrook were arrested. Aske was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession for the purpose of trafficking stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, breach of a release order and breaching firearms prohibition orders. Grisbrook was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession for the purpose of trafficking stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and breaching a release order. Aske and Grisbrook were arrested on Oct. 8, after the execution of a search warrant at a Medicine Hat residence. Police seized about $5,200 worth of copper from the home. Police also seized: Aske and Grisbrook are both next set to appear in court in Medicine Hat on Nov. 5. Police said the recent arrests are the result of information “obtained through ongoing investigations into copper thefts and the trafficking of stolen metals.” Battling the problem In Wednesday’s release, police said they “continue to work closely with local metal recycling and scrap metal businesses to identify suspicious transactions and investigate property crime.” “These industry partners play a vital role in helping police identify offenders, recover stolen property and disrupt the market for stolen metals,” police said. Police encouraged anyone with information about “copper thefts or suspicious activity involving industrial materials” to call them at 403-529-8481. Police said anonymous tips can also be provided through the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) app.
