The recent spate of copper wire thefts in the Squamish area ramped up during the past week, and the four reported incidents included a break-in and theft that occurred at a B.C. Hydro substation in Britannia Beach, resulting in "extensive damage" to the facility.
The Britannia Beach incident occurred during the early-morning hours last Thursday (April 26) and was reported to police the next day. The culprit(s) gained entry by cutting a lock on a gate, RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride said in a statement. Copper wire valued at around $200 was stolen, and "extensive vandalism" also occurred during the break-in, with the cost of repairs estimated at $10,000.
Squamish RCMP also received a report of two males having accessed the Woodfibre Mill on the west side of Howe Sound on Friday (April 27), stealing copper wire from the site. The two reportedly left the site in a small dinghy, possibly in the direction of Britannia Beach at around 4:30 p.m.
"Althoughthere was a time delay between the incident occurring and the report to police, sufficient evidence was obtained to allow police to identify potential suspects," Pride said.
The same day police were informed of a break-in at the Ashlu Creek hydro plant between April 26 at 5 p.m. and April 27 at 8:30 a.m. A quantity of fuel was stolen in addition to copper wire with an estimated $500 value. Damage to the property was estimated at $1,000.
On Monday (April 30) at 2 a.m., police responded to a report of a suspicious man in his 30s, 5 feet, 10 inches tall and of medium build, wearing a red hat and carrying a backpack, at a storage facility on Queen's Way. He was reportedly in possession of some copper wire. When police arrived the man had fled, but police recovered copper wire at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Assaults reported
Local police also responded to two separate reports of assaults in the same area during the past week. On Thursday, police responding to a reported incident at a home in the 1000 block of McNamee Place arrested a 32-year-old woman for assaulting a female acquaintance.
On Sunday (April 29), police arrested a 46-year-old man, described as "well known to police," after an alleged assault at a home on the same street. The suspect and the female victim were known to each other, Pride said.
Sexual interference charge laid
A Squamish man is facing a sexual interference charge in relation to alleged sexual relations he had with a 15-year-old girl. Russell Thomas Lamb, 24, was arrested after police investigating the matter executed a search warrant at his home on April 18, RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride said in a statement.
The investigation is ongoing about the potential for additional, related charges, Pride said. Lamb, who was in police custody as of April 26, has already made a first appearance in court on the matter, he said.
Equipment stolen
An estimated $25,000 in electronic equipment was stolen in a Squamish business break-in that occurred between April 22 at 5 p.m. and April 23 at 9:45 a.m.
Entry to the business in the 1200 block of Hunter Place was gained through a rooftop vent, Pride said. The culprit(s) descended into an empty office space adjoining the business, then cut through drywall to access to targeted office through the ceiling, he said. Once inside, a lock securing the storage area was cut. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
