Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

Port Coquitlam Fires Staff In Alleged $75,000 Copper Theft Scheme: City

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Jul, 2018 12:41 PM
  • Port Coquitlam Fires Staff In Alleged $75,000 Copper Theft Scheme: City
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. — The City of Port Coquitlam says it has fired seven employees involved in a "highly co-ordinated" copper theft scheme that lasted over a decade and cost taxpayers more than $75,000.
 
 
Chief administrative officer John Leeburn says the plan involved the deliberate, covert theft and sale of copper pipes, the majority of which were new pipes destined for installation underground.
 
 
He alleges employees pocketed about $75,000 overall from a scrap metal dealer, with individual employees receiving cash amounts ranging from less than $100 to $10,000.
 
 
But he adds the amount is a conservative estimate and the Metro Vancouver city originally paid much more for the pipes.
 
 
Leeburn says the city has been investigating the scheme involving several employees with the Public Works Department since late February.
 
 
He says the investigation is almost done and once it's fully complete, the information will be turned over to the RCMP.
 
 
The workers have been employed with the city ranging from one year to 21 years, he says.
 
 
About 500 people work for the city and those who have been there for decades know each other well, says Leeburn, adding he knows some who have been fired.
 
 
"There's shock, there's anger, there's compassion, there's dismay, there's confusion about how this could happen," he says.
 
 
"How could good people make such terrible decisions and repeatedly make those terrible decisions? I don't have an answer for that."
 
 
As for how the scheme could go on for 10 years without the city's knowledge, Leeburn says it was very "tightly held, not talked about."
 
 
The dismissals come after another former Port Coquitlam employee was charged with theft last year. Dean McIntosh, a former facility maintenance co-ordinator, pleaded guilty to stealing about $175,000 from the city over a three-year period.
 
 
The city says in a statement that it implemented a number of measures after McIntosh was charged, including a whistle-blower policy in November. The policy aims to create a safe environment for staff to come forward with reports of internal misconduct.
 
 
Leeburn stresses that the employees' alleged actions don't reflect the character of the vast majority of city workers. 
 
 
"We have terrific people in this organization who provide terrific service to the community, and I really want to say to the people of Port Coquitlam: Have faith in us.
 
 
"Please don't let the actions of a small number who have made some bad decisions tarnish the great work that's being done."

MORE National ARTICLES

UK Defends Move To Refuse Right To Live, Work To Indian Professionals

UK Defends Move To Refuse Right To Live, Work To Indian Professionals
The UK government has defended its controversial decision to deny residency rights to hundreds of highly skilled professionals, including Indians, 

UK Defends Move To Refuse Right To Live, Work To Indian Professionals

Woman Who Saw Toronto Subway Rescue Says Men Who Leapt Into Action Are Heroes

Woman Who Saw Toronto Subway Rescue Says Men Who Leapt Into Action Are Heroes
Julie Caniglia said in an interview that a man on her eastbound train jumped down to the tracks Thursday afternoon and crossed over to the westbound platform to help the man.

Woman Who Saw Toronto Subway Rescue Says Men Who Leapt Into Action Are Heroes

Police Release Names Of Mother, Daughter Who Died At Ontario Resort

Police Release Names Of Mother, Daughter Who Died At Ontario Resort
Xia Zhen, 34, and Chloe Gong, 5, of Markham, Ont., were on vacation at Mountain Springs Resort just west of Collingwood, Ont., when tragedy struck on Tuesday evening.

Police Release Names Of Mother, Daughter Who Died At Ontario Resort

Supreme Court Rules Edmonton Man Who Killed Toddler Will Not Go Back To Jail

Supreme Court Rules Edmonton Man Who Killed Toddler Will Not Go Back To Jail
The high court has lowered Richard Suter's sentence to the 10 months he has already served. His 30-month driving ban was upheld.

Supreme Court Rules Edmonton Man Who Killed Toddler Will Not Go Back To Jail

'She Let Nothing Stand In Her Way:' Viola Desmond Honoured With Walk Of Fame Star

'She Let Nothing Stand In Her Way:' Viola Desmond Honoured With Walk Of Fame Star
Robson beamed as a Canada's Walk of Fame star was unveiled in Halifax this afternoon in honour of the civil rights pioneer.

'She Let Nothing Stand In Her Way:' Viola Desmond Honoured With Walk Of Fame Star

'Armed And Dangerous': Peel Police Identify Awais Khan As Suspect In Mississauga Shooting

'Armed And Dangerous': Peel Police Identify Awais Khan As Suspect In Mississauga Shooting
Investigators from the 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male party.

'Armed And Dangerous': Peel Police Identify Awais Khan As Suspect In Mississauga Shooting