Photos courtesy Alberta RCMP
SOUTHERN ALBERTA — Three people are facing multiple criminal charges after a months-long RCMP investigation into a string of thefts targeting oil, gas, and agricultural infrastructure across southeastern Alberta, where copper wire was systematically stripped from irrigation pivots—leaving farmers facing potentially crippling crop losses.
The RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU) launched the investigation in May 2026 following a series of reported incidents in Lethbridge County, the Municipal District of Taber, and Newell County. Police said copper wire was the primary target in the crimes.
The break in the case came during the early morning hours of May 29, 2026, when SAD CRU officers, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services and the Brooks RCMP General Investigation Section, observed suspects actively stealing irrigation equipment from a property near Vauxhall. When the suspects spotted police, they fled in two vehicles.
One vehicle became stuck in a potato crop field, and a male suspect was arrested at the scene in possession of a substantial quantity of copper wire. The second vehicle sped away at a high rate of speed, travelling through rural highways and secondary roads before police successfully disabled it with a tire deflation device. Police Dog Services then immobilized the vehicle, leading to the arrest of a second male and a female, both of whom were also found with stolen copper wire.
Further investigation linked the trio to additional thefts and trafficking in stolen property across Southern Alberta.
Police said the repair costs for the equipment damaged during the May 29 offence alone will exceed $96,000. Beyond the direct financial hit, the damage to irrigation pivots poses a serious threat to agricultural production, potentially leading to reduced crop returns or even complete crop failure. According to the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, the potential revenue for a typical quarter-section field—roughly 130 acres under a pivot—can range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the crop type.
David Dyck (27), of Lethbridge, has been charged with two counts of mischief over $5,000, two counts of theft over $5,000, and one count of trafficking in property obtained by crime.
Gerhard Martens (34), of Raymond, faces two counts of theft over $5,000, one count of mischief over $5,000, two counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime, flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest.
Kaylee Grisdale (24), also of Raymond, has been charged with one count of mischief over $5,000 and one count of theft over $5,000.
All three were released following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing. They are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Taber on July 14, 2026, after their initial June 23 appearance was adjourned.
The RCMP has not indicated whether additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
