Is Copper Theft Darkening Your Neighborhood?
Calgary, let's talk about a growing threat impacting our daily lives: copper wire theft. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) reports a significant surge, with telecommunications giants like TELUS experiencing an 80% increase in cable thefts in 2025 compared to the previous year. These incidents aren't just about stolen metal; they translate to thousands of dollars in damages and extensive repairs, hitting both residents and businesses hard.
Imagine sudden blackouts, internet outages, or, critically, failures in emergency communications, as entire neighborhoods are cut off. This isn't theoretical; communities city-wide, including Crowchild, Signal Hill, and Ogden, have been affected. Seniors living alone or in care homes are particularly vulnerable, losing their lifeline to 911 and loved ones. Local businesses, like Lakeview Husky, have reported losing thousands of dollars due to these service interruptions. To make matters worse, thieves often indiscriminately cut through fiber-optic cables, which have no resale value but cause even more widespread and prolonged service disruptions. Repair times can stretch for days.
Calgary police are actively addressing this issue. On October 9, 2025, charges were laid against Justin Cecil Scott following a copper theft on August 5, 2025, in southeast Calgary that impacted 1,200 homes and businesses. This highlights the ongoing efforts to apprehend perpetrators. Our city also benefits from broader safety initiatives, such as the "Safer Calgary" operation launched in February 2025, which sees CPS and community partners working to curb crime and social disorder in public spaces.
Thieves often target easy-to-access, secluded areas, preferring to operate under the cover of darkness. Be vigilant: legitimate repairs typically do not occur during late-night or early morning hours. If you spot suspicious activity, speak up. Report through Crime Stoppers at calgarycrimestoppers.org, and your tip could earn you a reward of up to $2,000 if it leads to an arrest. Let's keep Calgary powered up and safe, folks!
This story comes to us from the Calgary Newsroom. Get more info at the source: https://newsroom.calgary.ca/copper-wire-theft-causing-over-14-million-in-product-and-damages-prompting-public-warning/