Male Facing Charges After Stealing Copper and Aluminum

A 41-year-old male is facing charges after stealing copper and aluminum in Oshawa.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, officers from the Central East Community Response Unit began an investigation into copper theft.  An investigation revealed a male entered the property of 214 Simcoe Street North and dismantled three separate air conditioning units.  Once they were dismantled, the male removed copper and aluminum from the unit compressors.

Michael DE LAURENTIIS, age 41 of no fixed address is charged with Mischief/Damage Property Over $5000, Theft Under, Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 and Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

He was released on an undertaking.

In recent weeks, air conditioning units at various properties, including industrial buildings, restaurants, the Oshawa Armories, and several churches have been targeted. The thefts involve cutting copper tubing from air conditioning/HVAC units, resulting in significant property damage.

Several of these incidents are still under investigation and the public is urged to report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with any new information is asked to contact Constable Daddazio of the Central East Community Response Unit at 1-888-579-1520 x1758.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.