Calgary police say a tracking device is to thank for nabbing two men who stole copper wire from a northwest construction site.
Investigators say on Nov. 4 around 9:15 p.m., a private security company monitoring new home construction in the Livingston community was alerted to the theft of copper wire from a site on Lucas Gate NW, thanks to an electronic tracking device attached to the wire.
CCTV footage showed two men removing the wire from the outside of the house under construction and leaving the scene in a Toyota sedan.
The security company continued to track the wire’s movement and notified police.
Using that data, police found the vehicle that matched the description of the getaway car parked at a home on Rangeview Way SE.
Officers could also see a large roll of copper wire on the backseat of the car.
Two people that matched the descriptions of the suspects were found inside the home and arrested at 11:15 p.m. — just two hours after the theft happened.
35-year-old Sheldon Ledrew and 26-year-old Noah Shawn Joshua Lloyd, have each been charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of mischief to property under $5,000.
The pair are set to appear in court in January.
“This case demonstrates how proactive crime prevention measures can make all the difference in an investigation,” said District 8 Insp. Darry Midtdal. “Because the security company acted quickly and used electronic monitoring technology, we were able to locate and apprehend the suspects within a few hours.
“Construction sites remain attractive targets for thieves, and while we dedicate significant resources to investigate and prevent these offences, we rely on the public to be active partners in preventing these crimes of opportunity.”
Tips from Calgary police to prevent break-and-enters and theft at construction sites
Light It: Keep the job site well-lit to deter thieves.
Lock It: Secure or close all doors, windows, entrances and vehicles.
Know Your Site: Identify on-site personnel and their roles. Question unfamiliar people and document their description, licence plate and vehicle details.
Secure Your Perimeter: Use temporary fencing to make access difficult and keep high-value items in secure areas.
Use Alarms and Video Monitoring: Enhance security with video monitoring and an alarm system.
Immobilize: Install immobilization devices and use locks on large equipment.
Be on the Lookout: Share contact information with neighbours and encourage them to report any suspicious activity to police.
Plan Material Deliveries: Schedule deliveries just-in-time to reduce theft opportunities.
Track Your Tools and Materials: Ensure your property is identifiable by recording all tools and materials, including photos, serial numbers and markings.
Report It: Call 911 if you witness suspicious activity or a crime in progress. For non-emergencies, call 403-266-1234 or file an online report. Prompt reporting helps police address ongoing issues and increases the likelihood of recovering stolen property.
Anyone with information about break-and-enter and theft-related incidents at construction sites is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.