Wires were cut and removed from Merle Logan Field sometime in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 30. (submitted/Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

lights out

Copper wire thieves shut down night activities at Merle Logan Field

Oct 1, 2020 | 1:35 PM

NANAIMO — The lights are off at a busy Nanaimo field after a substantial amount of copper wiring was stolen.

Thieves made off with between 300 and 500 feet of copper wire from lighting fixtures at Merle Logan Field sometime between 1 and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW this is a disheartening setback for people excited to be outside and being active.

“It’s going to cost about $20,000, so it’s effectively shutdown all the overhead lights at the artificial turfs on Dorman Rd. This has a significant impact on the number of users on that field every day.”

The fields will be closed at night for several days while the damage is repaired.

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O’Brien said it’s believed the thieves knew how copper wire is placed and secured.

“300 to 500 feet of wire is very difficult to drag off. It would take probably two or even more people to remove the wiring.”

He confirmed anti-theft deterrents were installed by the City at Merle Logan Field.

“Those are certainly going to be reviewed and they may have to be updated.”

Fibre optic wiring was cut but not removed.

Copper is a popular but not lucrative or easy way to make money.

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