Drumheller RCMP is investigating the theft of copper from the former Reptile World in downtown Drumheller.
Constable Dale Selbee tells the Mail sometime between December 17-27 culprits broke into the building on 3rd Avenue and ripped out the copper piping in the ceiling of the basement.
On December 29, a culprit returned and took more copper from the building.
“Criminals such as this like to take advantage of anything they possibly can, so the small town nature of maybe not locking your doors or abandoned buildings can be fairly common too, it’s all crime of opportunity,” he said.
Theft of items such as copper wiring, or in this case plumbing is fairly common.
“Anything of value really, copper of any kind, they’ll take it.”
He says that often it is important for people to safeguard their property.
“When it comes to things like this you have to because criminals are opportunists. You have to make it as difficult as possible for them to want to take your stuff. Whether that means more deadbolts on your door, security systems, or cameras, anything along these lines just increases the security of your property,” said Selbee.
If anyone has information on this crime or any others contact the Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590 or your local police service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com ( http://www.p3tips.com/ ) or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
