Since 2010 a string of copper thefts has occurred along Chandler’s Paseo Trail. The Trail, a multiuse pathway along the Consolidated Canal, connects with the Heritage Trail, which is maintained by the Town of Gilbert. During this time similar crimes also began to occur along the Heritage Trail. In Chandler alone approximately $25,000 worth of copper was stolen from electrical components along Paseo Trail.
In May of 2011 Property Crimes Detectives from the Chandler and Gilbert Police Departments, as well as Detectives from the Mesa and Tempe Police Departments, began a joint operation aimed at capturing the perpetrators of these crimes. On August 1st 45-year-old Kirk Wise and his 38-year-old girlfriend Sanna Silva were arrested in Chandler after being observed stealing copper from the Paseo Trail. Wise may have scraped as much as $95,000 in copper since January of 2010. A large portion of this money was used to support a daily methamphetamine habit.
Wise and Silva have been charged with multiple counts of Aggravated Criminal Damage, Theft, and Trafficking in Stolen Property.
The Chandler Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about this case to call 480-782-4130.
For further information contact Detective Seth Tyler.
