Three Arrested in Major Plymouth Copper Wire Theft Investigation

Police in Plymouth, Devon, have arrested and charged three men following a detailed investigation into a sophisticated copper wire theft ring that targeted local industrial sites, causing damages and losses estimated at nearly £400,000.

The arrests follow a series of highly organized overnight break-ins at the Infrasource depot on Conshohocken Road in Plymouth. Investigators allege that the suspects repeatedly breached secure perimeter fences and locked gates over several months to gain access to large spools of high-value copper utility wire. The stolen materials, weighing in excess of 15,000 pounds (approximately 6.8 tonnes), were systematically cut down, loaded into transport vehicles, and sold to regional scrap yards for a fraction of their retail value, bringing in around £50,000 in illicit proceeds.

The three suspects arrested and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, and involvement in a corrupt organization are Edgardo Albandoz, 26, Marc Champagne, 36, and Yozuet Pagan, 21. Following their arrest, all three were released on bail pending their preliminary hearings.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that active warrants remain out for two additional suspects, Osiris Jones, 38, and Derrick Rowland, 34, who are believed to be part of the same crime ring. Police are urging anyone with information on their whereabouts or any related scrap metal transactions to contact the investigation team immediately.