Thieves make off with 1,000 metres of copper wire

STEPHENVILLE - The RCMP is investigating the theft of $17,000 worth of copper wire from Aliant in Stephenville.

Cpl. Cathy Whitehead of the Stephenville RCMP said the theft occurred between Monday and Thursday from the compound behind the building.

"Contained within that compound were very large reels of different types of copper wire," Cpl. Whitehead said. "Approximately 1,000 metres were stolen from several reels.

"Several different types of wire were stolen There was a couple of hundred metres of each type of wire gone." She said the preliminary estimate was about $5,000, however, the actual value of the wire is $17,000.

She said the RCMP doesn't have any suspects at this time.

She said the RCMP is seeking the public's help. If anyone has information about the theft, she said they can call the RCMP at 643-2118, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Isabelle Robinson, a spokesperson for Bell Aliant, said the theft hasn't compromised service to their customers yet. "We experienced the theft of about 1,000 metres of cable, that's cable that would have had in inventory," she said. "We reported the theft to our own internal security and the local authorities are also involved.

"... Although it can impact our business, our main focus of concern is ensuring our infrastructure is available to us, so service to our customers isn't impacted."

She said the cable that was stolen hasn't affected repairs as yet.

Gallants man charged with assaulting a police officer

In other police news, Michael Tucker, a 36-year-old Gallants man, was charged with damage to property, resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer after he was arrested in the Main Street area Thursday evening.

He is alleged to have beaten the two rear windows out of the police cruiser he was being held in as well as damaged at least one of the rear doors.

Tucker was being arrested on a warrant for violations of parole when the incident occurred.

He appeared in provincial court in Stephenville Friday afternoon. He was ordered held pending a meeting with his parole officer. He is set to appear in provincial Court in Stephenville in October.

29 calls for service

Meanwhile, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Patrol Division responded to a total of 29 calls for service over the 24 hours ending at 4 a.m. Friday.

During that time, the RNC said there were no arrests or traffic accidents to report.?