Martech Electrical Systems has been the target of three break and enters this month, with thieves targeting copper wire, according to the RCMP.
Police were able to find valuable evidence from the first two break-ins on June 14 and 24 but the suspects were not identified, Sgt. Laurel Mathew said.
Then, on Sunday at 1:30 a.m., a West Kootenay Traffic Officer noted a truck parked in the city that looked like a vehicle seen in Martech’s security footage.
“He questioned the driver of the truck, who was not from Castlegar,” Mathew said. “Castlegar officers also attended, grew suspicious and a decision was made at that point to attend Martech to ensure that the property was secure.”
Officers found two adult men on the property who appeared to be in the process of stealing copper, Mathew said.
“These two males were taken into custody, as well as the driver of the truck whom police believe was the mode of transport and third person involved in the crime,” she said.
The three men, William Solomon, 26, Lloyd Hagedorn, 43 and David Surtees, 37 are all from the Okanagan and were arrested for theft over $5,000.
On Tuesday all three of the men pleaded guilty in court.
Solomon and Hagedorn each received six months in jail and a 10-year firearms prohibition while Surtees was sentenced to three months in jail.
“Additional charges of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of drugs are also being pursued against the [Solomon],” Mathew said.