The Weyburn Police Service received a report of a Break-and-Enter on May 18th of a cut fence at a local business, where the theft of copper was attempted. The investigation is ongoing with the lone offender described as wearing a hoodie and backpack and riding a bicycle.
Deputy Chief Shane St. John said their preparedness for the heist indicates they have some experience with these kinds of thefts.
"They've clearly done something like this in the past, or continue to or have come from different area doesn't mean they're from Weyburn, it could be from a different city or a different rural area and they've done this multiple times. They're clearly well-versed in what they're doing."
He noted since they would need a vehicle larger than a bicycle to attempt to steal a large amount of copper, they were likely planning on targeting smaller amounts.
"Someone just looking for a little bit of copper, you can find that in a pile, maybe, of rubble, or it could just be in the other metals that people have stored on their compound, there could be copper in there, and of course that's the thing that they can get money for."
As for where they can get money for copper in Weyburn, St. John said there is no such place.
"There are some business taking it without asking questions. There's nothing like that in a Weyburn, and I know that for sure 100 per cent, but doesn't mean it isn't happening elsewhere. The businesses in Weyburn don't want any part of that, and they will notify us."
Since some offenders do come prepared with ways to get through fences, he shared some ways businesses and private owners can protect their property. For example, in addition to tips from the RCMP after a recent rash of thefts from businesses along Highway 33, he suggests having motion-sensor lights or alerts or even guard dogs.
"The dog barking alerts others and deters as much as anything, or some sort of alarm going off when someone enters through a sensor, maybe that trips an alarm or trips floodlights that you might have on your back. There are lots of different ways. I guess it's just depending on the size of the compound, depending on the business, and where they're going in, I think people are always looking for a way around it."
Read here to find more tips on theft prevention: Theft prevention tips, importance of crime reporting: RCMP