Regina man arrested after string of copper thefts

A 31-year-old Regina man has been charged in connection with a recent series of copper thefts.

According to the Regina Police Service, 10 vacant buildings — primarily in the North Central neighbourhood — were broken into between Jan. 14 and Thursday. In each break-in, copper piping was removed from the buildings.

Police say more than $50,000 worth of damage was done to the properties.

Investigators identified a suspect and arrested him Thursday afternoon. He was carrying copper pipe and break-and-enter tools at the time of his arrest.

He’s facing 10 counts of breaking and entering and committing theft, theft under $5,000, trafficking property obtained by crime, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and possession of break-in instruments.

He made his first court appearance Friday.