Three charged with breaking into water plant

Three men accused of breaking into a northern First Nation’s water treatment plant and stealing more than $100,000 worth of power tools have been charged.

The break-in on April 29 halted operations at the Garden Hill First Nation water treatment plant. Island Lake Mounties were called to the plant at about 9 a.m., where staff said suspects entered the building in the early morning hours and damaged some of the machinery.

Staff also reported the theft of numerous power tools, necessary to the operation of the plant.

Three men were arrested the following day, RCMP said in a Tuesday news release, noting additional officers were deployed to the community to help.

Police executed two warrants at residences in the community where the tools were found and seized.

An 18-year-old Garden Hill man was charged with numerous offences, including breaking and entering, theft over $5,000 and mischief over $5,000 — damage to property. He was remanded into custody.

A 20-year-old Garden Hill man faces similar charges. He was released on an undertaking pending a court date.

A 53-year-old man from Oxford House was charged with possession of property obtained by crime and released on an appearance notice.

RCMP said testing at the water plant determined it was safe to drink.