INNISFAIL – A high-risk repeat offender known to be involved in the theft of copper wire has been caught and charged by Innisfail RCMP.
RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, noting Innisfail RCMP operate a habitual offender management program to track and monitor high risk repeat offenders, said in a Wednesday media release that Innisfail RCMP were conducting surveillance on Aug. 6 on one known to be involved in the theft of copper wire from industrial/commercial/oilfield sites.
Savinkoff said the offender was observed driving a truck with a flat deck trailer near his residence.
He said the offender was known to be a criminally-suspended driver and on a conditional sentence order where he was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.
Savinkoff said RCMP members arrested the offender without incident at his residence for driving while suspended.
He said a search of the truck and trailer resulted in the seizure of:
• more than 1,500 pounds of stripped copper wire;
• dozens of break and enter tools;
• untaxed illegal cigarettes;
• stolen licence plate; and
• bear spray and machetes.
Savinkoff said numerous other tools were seized and believed to be stolen.
He said RCMP are working on locating the owners of that property.
Peter George Walker, 39, a resident of Innisfail, has been charged with the following:
• two counts of possession of property obtained by crime;
• possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose;
• operating a motor vehicle while prohibited;
• possession of break and enter tools;
• possession of untaxed tobacco contrary to the Excise Act;
• driving uninsured motor vehicle;
• displaying unauthorized plate on a vehicle, and
• driving an unregistered vehicle.
Savinkoff said Walker was held in custody by the RCMP for a judicial interim release hearing.
He said Walker was released by a justice of the peace without bail and is scheduled to appear at Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Aug. 27.
Savinkoff said RCMP are attempting to locate the owners of tools. If they are able to identify the markings and the type of tool that they are on they are asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP so they can be returned.
Anyone with information about these offences or the ownership of the items seized is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403-227-3342.
Tipsters wanting to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
