On Sunday, December 3, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., local authorities responded to a reported theft in progress in the 3400 block of Garner Lane. The concerned caller informed Plano Dispatch of suspicions regarding an ongoing theft of copper wire in the alley behind residential properties, citing previous incidents in the area.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a black GMC pick-up, devoid of any identifiable logos or markings, with three individuals in close proximity. The alley displayed evidence of the reported theft, with saws, tools, a ladder, and copper wiring strewn across the ground. Additionally, cut pieces of copper were found in the bed of the truck.
Individual interviews with the suspects revealed inconsistent stories, prompting officers to contact Frontier, a local telecommunications company, to inquire about possible contractors in the vicinity. Frontier confirmed that they had no personnel in the area and had experienced similar copper thefts recently.
A representative from Frontier estimated the replacement cost of the stolen copper wiring to be approximately $10,000. As a result of meticulous investigative work, all three suspects were arrested on charges of Felony level theft of copper. Individual charges for the trio also included Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance and Failure to Identify by providing fictitious identifying information.
