1 person charged for tampering with EPCOR cubicles, stealing copper wires in south Edmonton
Posted April 11, 2025 1:22 pm.
Edmonton police has charged a 32-year-old man for tampering with EPCOR switching cables and copper wire theft in southwest and southeast Edmonton.
Last month police began investigating reports of mischief and copper wire theft from an EPCOR switching cubicle in the area of 101 Street and 6 Avenue. CCTV footage showed a man in unique clothing stealing security equipment and causing damage to a switching cubicle before fleeing the area.
On April 3, police received a report of damage at a different switching cubicle at 103 Street and Calgary Trail that occurred on April 1.
A man with a similar appearance and unique clothing to the one from the March incident was arrested on scene without incident and was found to have 24 outstanding criminal warrants. After completing a search, police located tools on the male as well as a large hunting knife strapped to his body.
Luke Michael Dean, 32, was charged with unlawful disguise with intent to commit an indictable offense (x2), breaching conditions of a release order (x2), mischief over $5,000 and theft under $5,000.
Police say at this time they do not believe the events are related to copper wire thefts and tampering of switching cubicles in February, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Police warned public to stay away from the electrical unit if they encounter a switching cubicle that has been tampered with and contact EPS.
Police are also asking the public to contact them immediately should they observe suspicious persons tampering with switching cubicles.
