An ongoing investigation into telecommunication wire thefts across several OPP jurisdictions has resulted in charges against two people.
According to the Grey Bruce OPP, at various times in 2025, the theft of telecommunication wire occurred in the Grey Bruce, Wellington, and Dufferin OPP detachment areas.
Suspects had been cutting poles and wires, removing and stripping the wires for copper and selling the copper to scrap yards.
Police say the thefts result in $5,000 - $10,000 in damage and disrupts 911 service for surrounding communities prior to repairs.
On January 7, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in Wiarton, and officers found a cut utility pole, but the suspects had left the area. However, police received detailed descriptions and photographs of the individuals and their vehicle from a tipster.
Later that day, police responded to a stuck vehicle on Highway 6 south of Chatsworth, and found the occupants were the same suspects they were searching for.
As a result, a 26-year-old from Chatsworth and a 35-year-old from Milton were both arrested and charged with numerous offences including mischief over $5,000 and mischief endangering life.
Both of the accused have been released from custody with court appearances scheduled at a later date.
