Calgary copper wire thefts have caused $1.4M in damages so far this year: police

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Copper wire thefts in Calgary this year have caused an estimated $1.4 million in losses and damage to infrastructure, prompting a warning from police.

“Copper wire theft is not a victimless crime; it affects entire neighbourhoods,” said Staff Sgt. Colin Chisholm. “It is a big concern when critical infrastructure is targeted.”

Investigators are looking into 40 thefts of telecommunications infrastructure which also impacted utility infrastructure and led to service disruptions.

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“These thieves are doing this for profit,” Chisholm said.

About half a kilogram of copper wire stolen is estimated to net criminals $5.50 to $6.00, according to police.

Police say thieves enter manholes from streets and alleys to access the wire.

Chisholm adds that not only does it cause significant financial loss, but the theft also poses serious risk to public safety.

“When copper wiring is stolen from utilities and telecommunications infrastructure, it can leave communities in the dark, without electricity, internet and emergency communications,” Chisholm said. “We are asking Calgarians to help us prevent these dangerous thefts, which often occur in the early morning hours when it’s still dark.”

Staff Sgt. Luke Halvorson with Alberta RCMP says copper wire thefts are a prevalent issue in Alberta, but more so in rural Alberta where energy sites, farms and irrigation systems are targeted.

“The Alberta RCMP uses data and intelligence to target offenders who are causing the most harm and take all the appropriate enforcement action,” Alverson said. “We focus our patrols on the most crime impacted.”

Rick Spangler, director of network engineering operations for Telus Communications in Alberta, says the thefts impact 911 service, and that thieves are becoming more sophisticated.

“They are showing up with PPE, they are showing up with sophisticated equipment such as hydraulic cutters, saws, grinders,” he said. “We have found winches in manholes; we have found batteries in manholes to power those winches. This is not just people going in to get a foot of cable.”

Spangler says the thefts are on the rise in Calgary, with TELUS seeing 55 events this year compared to 35 last year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police, or you can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

“Your tip could prevent major damage and help keep your community safe,” said David King, director with Crime Stoppers Calgary.

“You may also be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.”