Lloydminster RCMP charged a man after catching him cutting wires from power poles on the west side of the city.
On April 30 at 4:57 a.m., police got a 911 call about a man in a back alley on 44 St. The caller said the man was cutting wires between 56 Ave. and 57B Ave. Officers found and arrested a man at the scene.
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During a search, police found copper wire and hand tools.
At 9:12 a.m., ATCO Electric reported damage to seven power poles.
“This ground system protects people and equipment from electric shock, lightning strikes, and electrical noise,” said an ATCO employee. “Without electrical ground there is potential of fire, damage to equipment as well as shock.”
Police charged Travis Lee Fraser, 32, of Lloydminster with five charges, including theft and possession of break-in tools.
He also faces a charge for breaking a probation order.
A justice of the peace released Fraser on conditions. He was due to appear in Lloydminster court on Tuesday, May 6.
RCMP ask anyone with tips to call Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8300.
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