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Codgers caught in copper caper

Two seniors are in custody and facing charges after stealing $125,000 worth of copper wire. On Monday, at about 9:30 a.m., RCMP got a call about a break and enter to a business on P.G. Pulpmill Road.
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Two seniors are in custody and facing charges after stealing $125,000 worth of copper wire.

On Monday, at about 9:30 a.m., RCMP got a call about a break and enter to a business on P.G. Pulpmill Road.

When police arrived they discovered the copper wire theft. Evidence gathered at the scene led to the arrest of Lorne Cecil Paquette, 67, and Robert James Herron, 65.

Both men are well-known to local police.

Paquette is charged with break and enter and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, while Herron has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Both seniors made their first court appearance on Tuesday. Paquette is in custody until his first court appearance today.

Herron was released on conditions until his next court appearance on July 22.

Further charges could be laid as the investigation continues into this wire theft and others that occurred recently. During June, local RCMP have responded to 15 reports of wire theft in the area worth an estimated $200,000. Scrap copper wire can sell for about $2.50 a pound.

In some cases telephone wires have been removed from utility poles, leaving local residences without the use of their phones. The concern is that this prohibits them from calling 911 during an emergency.

If anyone has information about the theft of wire or any other property related criminal offences, please contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca (English only), or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) using keyword "pgtips."