Police investigate multiple copper thefts

Halifax regional police are investigating two separate copper thefts in the city. Both are believed to have taken place overnight within close proximity of each other.

The incidents left thousands of dollars in damage, and have the police asking for the public’s assistance.

Just before 11am Thursday morning police and fire crews were called to the 100-block of Main Street in Dartmouth.

The owner of a business on the block discovered that the line from an oil tank had been removed, and oil was leaking out.

The Halifax fire department investigated and discovered cut lines on two 200-gallon furnace oil tanks. Crews worked quickly to spread absorbent material over the spills to prevent oil from seeping into storm drains. But they say at this time, it appears some oil did reach the drains.

Meanwhile on Farquharson Street a home also had its copper lines removed. The owner says the crime left him with thousands of dollars in damage.

Police believe that whoever was involved in these incidents was targeting copper.

Although copper thefts are not unusual, police say it can be difficult to lay charges, as often there are no witnesses to the crime.

The Department of Environment is no assessing the potential damage of oil seeping into the storm drains.