SUBSCRIBE! Sign up for our daily newsletter and never miss a story!

(Image Credit: Petr Pokorny/Dreamstime.com)
POLICE

Medicine Hat police charge two Redcliff men following $300K copper wire theft investigation

Nov 9, 2026 | 11:48 AM

Two Redcliff men are facing multiple charges following an investigation into a break and enter and copper wire theft at a Medicine Hat industrial property that caused more than $300,000 in estimated losses and damage.

The Medicine Hat Police Service said patrol officers and members of its Major Crime Unit began investigating the incident on Nov. 4 after a business in the Box Springs area reported a break-and-enter at its secured compound.

Police say suspects gained access to the property and removed large quantities of copper wire and copper components from industrial equipment, leaving behind extensive damage.

The theft also disrupted business operations, with specialized infrastructure, including electrical systems and cooling equipment, targeted in the incident.

Investigators gathered evidence that led them to a residence in Redcliff, where police executed a search warrant on Nov. 5 with assistance from the RCMP.

During the search, officers seized suspected stolen copper, along with equipment believed to be used for stealing, stripping and processing wire.

Police also seized a small quantity of fentanyl, a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

Two men were arrested and charged following the investigation.

Forty-year-old Redcliff resident Jordon Street faces multiple firearm-related charges, including unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, careless storage of a firearm and knowing possession of a prohibited firearm.

Street is also charged with having a prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition, three counts of failing to comply with a release order and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

Shane Yanke, 50, of Redcliff, is charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000, trafficking in stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and failing to comply with a release order.

Both men were held for judicial interim release hearings and remanded into custody.

Street is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice on Nov. 9, while Yanke’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 1.

Officers are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.