RCMP arrest four in connection with series of copper wire thefts in New Brunswick

New Brunswick RCMP say they have made four arrests in connection with several copper wire thefts in the Fredericton and Oromocto areas.

Police say the thefts are estimated to have resulted in $1.4 million in losses to businesses, homes and government departments.

Bell Aliant has said the thefts disrupted internet, TV and landline phone connections to customers in those areas following thefts last month.

The Mounties say a 33-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody on other matters, after the seizure of a significant quantity of copper wire in the search of a residence in Geary, N.B., on Nov. 23.

Two men and a woman, all in their 30s and from the Oromocto area, were arrested on Nov. 29 while loading copper wire into a vehicle.

Police also say a search of a residence in Haneytown, N.B., on Nov. 30 turned up a significant quantity of copper wire, as well as other telecommunication lines.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2022.