Break-in puts ASW Steel employees at risk: police

Production at ASW Steel Inc. in Welland was temporarily halted recently after two men severely damaged a live power line that supplied electricity to the Centre Street property, police say.

Niagara Regional Police said two Welland men were charged with break and enter in the incident after it was learned during a separate investigation they were involved.

Last Monday, officers responded to a recycling business after receiving information that two males were attempting to sell scrap metal that had been stolen from a local business. Both males were arrested and charged with possessing stolen property.

Police said an investigation into the incident by detectives revealed the same two suspects allegedly broke into a fenced compound at ASW Steel Inc., 42 Centre St.

“The males targeted an outbuilding on the property for metals and during the process severely damaged a live power line that supplied power to the water treatment building on the property,” police said in a release.

“The actions taken by these individuals created a serious safety threat to them and to the facility. Production at the facility was temporarily disrupted and measures had to be taken by staff to avert further damage and potential risk to employee safety.”

Police said the two suspects displayed a complete disregard for property, personal safety and public safety.

“Fortunately, a potential tragedy was averted. The repair costs associated with this incident are still being evaluated but are expected to be significant.”

Charged with break enter and theft, possession of property obtained by crime with a value not exceeding $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime with a value not exceeding $5,000 are Michael Riley Bisson, 43, and Jason Tiffin, 38.

Bisson is also charged with breach of recognizance and two counts of breach of probation, while Tiffin is also charged with breach of probation.