Thieves plunged a section of Highway 19 into darkness for several days after stealing 2,500 metres of copper wiring on Tuesday night.
Nanaimo RCMP were informed by Raylec Power that thieves had gained access and removed the copper wire from 20 lamp standards and 12 junction boxes on each side of the highway, near the intersection of Ware Road.
“Given the shear volume of copper wire that was removed, the process would have taken a considerable amount of time and energy, and would have required at least a large full size truck and a minimum of two people,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
“This theft was not only significant in the amount taken but it also put the motoring public at risk as they travelled along a very busy highway.”
Later the same day work crews repaired the damage, substituting aluminum wiring, which comparatively has no market value, for the stolen copper.
The lights were fully restored Thursday, with additional security features in place to prevent further thefts.
Police ask anyone with information on this incident to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
