Westborough – Police Chief Alan Gordon released this statement this morning:
The Westborough Police Department has been investigating numerous thefts from National Grid sub stations over the past two weeks. The first theft occurred at the substation on E. Main St. A chain link fence was cut and a large amount of copper wire was stolen.
A theft was discovered on August 22nd at the substation on Milk St. A padlock was cut from a metal container and a large amount of copper wire was stolen.
On August 25th, at 7:35 AM, a report was received that the chain link fence surrounding the Milk St. substation had been cut and copper ground wires had been cut and stolen along with numerous tools from a National Grid truck. A surveillance camera recorded the theft at 9:15 PM on August 24th.
An investigation by Westborough Detectives led to the apprehension of the following individuals:
Michael F. Rinaldo? age 22 of 41 Plantation St. Worcester
Craig R. Spencer? age 27 of 6 Rice Sq. #3 Worcester
John J. Simulis? age 48 of 6 Rice Sq. #2 Worcester
Over $4,000 worth of scrap copper and a large assortment of tools belonging to National Grid were recovered. The thefts and damage to National Grid property is in excess of $20,000.
All three suspects will be arraigned at WDC at a later date. The incidents continue to be investigated by Det. Sgt. Peter Goodney, Dets. Steven Tompkins, Gary Hassett and Michael Daniels.