Alberta RCMP is launching a community initiative in response to copper thefts
Police in Alberta are taking action to prevent copper thefts.
Alberta RCMP’s Eastern and Central District Crime Reduction Units, the K Division Criminal Analysis Section and the Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch will be working with community members to identify which areas are most targeted for copper thefts.
“The theft of copper wire can have a large impact on the public, whether it’s having spare wire stolen from your personal property or damage caused to vital infrastructure across the province,” the RCMP said in a press release.
Across Canada, metal-related thefts have been increasing.
Between 2018 and 2022, the number of these kinds of incidents, which include thefts of metals like copper wire and manhole covers, increased from 3,354 to 5,240.
The price of copper has also increased during that time.
On Jan. 1, 2018, copper was selling for around $3.23 per pound. On Dec. 26, 2022, the price for copper was about $3.82 per pound.
The current price is around $4.65 per pound.
Last year, copper thefts totaled about $10 million in Alberta.
In January of this year, for example, police charged two people for a copper wire theft that occurred in December 2023.
That incident left more than 2,000 people in southeast Calgary without phone and internet, and caused about $276,000 of property damage, CTV reported.
And in 2022, criminals took between $500,000 and $750,000 in copper from Calnash Trucking in Lac La Biche, CTV reported.
Agriculture isn’t immune to copper thefts.
This past August, for example, Swift Current Rural RCMP in Saskatchewan received reports of radiators being stolen from farm equipment.
Also this August, in Japan, almost 1 million chickens died after a copper theft resulted in the shut down of air conditioning systems on a poultry farm.
Copper can also be found in irrigation equipment, which criminals may target.
Like back in 2010, when thieves stole about $40,000 of copper from irrigation pivots on six farms in the Carberry, Man. area.
To reduce instances of copper wire theft, Alberta RCMP is encouraging people to take precautions, like:
- Consider installing an alarm system with remote monitoring of surveillance cameras.
- Ensure each entrance and exit of your commercial property has proper lighting and surveillance cameras clearly visible to deter criminal activity.
- Arrange to have your precious metals laser engraved, so they can be easily identified and returned if recovered.
- Metal purchasers should be cautious about purchasing material from unknown or suspicious sellers.
- Always secure your valuables in a secure area.
- Invest in fencing for extra protection and ensure its well-maintained
- Always report suspicious people you see at work sites, or on your property.