2016/1/26
The Colchester County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (CCISCEU) have arrested a male following a five month investigation into thefts of copper wire.
In September of 2015, Colchester District RCMP received multiple reports of the burning of copper wire on the shores of the Salmon River in Valley. The burning was taking place during the early morning hours. Furthermore, the suspects discarded empty wooden spools into the waterway. At a similar time, Nova Scotia Power representatives had contacted the Truro Police Service and Colchester District RCMP to report that wire spools, and other equipment had been stolen from Nova Scotia Power Sites in Colchester County.
In December of 2015 investigators were able to locate important evidence at a burn site which allowed identification a suspect and connected them to thefts occurring in the Halifax area.
On January 23, 2016, Investigators with the CCISCEU arrested a male in relation to the offences. Willem van den Hoek, 42, of Colchester County has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property and Breach of Conditions. Willem van den Hoek has been released from custody and will appear in Truro Provincial Court on February 24, 2016. Additional charges are expected.
Investigators would like to thank Nova Scotia Power, and the Halifax Regional Police for their assistance in this matter. This investigation is ongoing.
The CCISCEU is asking anyone who may have witnessed this crime, or has information about this crime, to call Colchester District RCMP at 902-893-6820 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also text TIP202 + your message to ‘CRIMES’ (274637) or access Secure Web Tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers could qualify for a cash reward of $50 – $2,000.
Note to media: The CCISCEU is comprised of members of Colchester District RCMP and Truro Police Services.
Source: Release