Oxford state troopers have arrested two Valley men for allegedly stealing copper wire from outside the Connecticut Light & Power building at 1 Great Hill Road.
Police noticed a “suspicious vehicle” parked near the building a little after 12 a.m. Thursday. The driver was wearing a ski mask, according to Resident State Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky.
Police checked the back of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo — a hatchback — and saw nearly a ton of copper wire, Semosky said. The wire is stored on the Connecticut Light & Power property.
The wire is valued at about $2,000 on the scrap market, Semosky said.
Police arrested Robert Johannesen, 28, of Shelton, and Brian Prutting, 27, of Derby. They were charged with third-degree larceny, third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass.
The two were scheduled to be arraigned at Superior Court in Derby Thursday.
Semosky said it was the second time in the past few weeks troopers arrested people immediately after a theft.
Last week, troopers made three arrests after the Oxford Pharmacy on Route 67 was burglarized.
“We’re out there, out patrolling, and active in Oxford,” Semosky said.
