A Winnipeg man is facing charges after thousands of dollars worth of metal railings were stolen from the Disraeli pedestrian bridge and sold to a scrapyard for $10 per piece.

Const. Jay Murray with the Winnipeg Police Service said 11 railings were removed in total — valued at approximately $5,600.

"It's quick money," Murray told CBC News. "But it's unfortunate because it's a huge nuisance and it's a very costly problem that a number of businesses see, and in this case the city of Winnipeg is an example of that."

The thefts happened over four different occasions in May and June.

Winnipeg Police say the railings were sold to a scrapyard for roughly $10 per piece. (Jill Coubrough/CBC)

Four railings have since been recovered but seven have yet to be located, Murray said.

A spokesperson for the City of Winnipeg said the bridge site has been secured and the final cost of replacing the railing is still being determined.

Dorota Praski, who lives in East Kildonan, said theft of metal items is a growing problem.

"From my property specifically, on three separate occasions, I've had things taken directly out of the yard — a child's swing set, a fire bowl, and my lawnmower," she said.

Dorota Praski has had a swing set, firepit, and a lawnmower taken out of her yard in East Kildonan. (Jill Coubrough/CBC)

"First you're wondering what happened, but then you get upset about it because you realize how close they are … and they're in your space, they're in your personal space. And that doesn't leave you with a safe feeling at all."

Praski is now considering putting up better fencing and installing security cameras around her property.



Murray said metal theft often goes unreported and he encourages people to speak up if it happens.

"Every report helps," he said. "It helps us pinpoint where crime is spiking in the city."

It also allows police to return the metal if it's recovered, Murray said.