The theft of copper wire has become a major issue across Halifax Regional Municipality. The problem is not confined to one area. Both Halifax District RCMP and Halifax Regional Police have responded to several complaints over the past few months. There have been over 100 incidents in HRM since the start of this year. Provincially, the RCMP have responded to over 400 complaints since October of 2009.
Several of the thefts have occurred at constructions sites. When nobody is around, the thieves will enter onto the property and take what they can. Police are asking the public to assist by keeping an eye out for anything unusual at or near construction sites, especially after the workday is finished. Providing police with the right piece of information can be as simple as noticing something unusual and making a phone call. A vehicle description, a licence plate number, time of day and location can do more than steer investigators in the right direction. It’s the kind of information that can lead to the recovery of stolen property, and charges against those responsible.
Light poles have also become popular targets for copper wire thieves. On Nov. 15, RCMP received a report that approximately $15,000 worth of copper was stolen from light poles located near Exit 5A on Highway 102 in Goffs, N.S. The investigation revealed that suspects broke into the light poles bases, cut the wires, and removed the copper. By doing so, the suspects caused significant damage to the equipment. The cost of restoring the lights to working order is considerably more than the value of the copper that was stolen. Investigators believe the theft may be in relation to recent thefts at the Aerotech Park. There was also a similar theft in Dartmouth Crossing on Nov. 10. Police are hoping the public can assist by watching for suspicious behavior at or near light poles in the above-mentioned areas. Any information at all could help investigators move the case forward and make an arrest.
People caught stealing or in possession of stolen copper face charges under the Criminal Code. Other charges may also be considered depending on the severity or consequences of their actions.
In addition to the theft itself, police have concerns about the safety of individuals attempting to steal the copper, as often the copper is part of an electrical structure, putting people at risk of being electrocuted.
Police are also concerned about the environmental impact copper thefts can have. We have seen instances where thousands of litres of furnace oil leak onto a property after a piece of copper was stolen. Although the dollar value of the copper was minimal, the environmental impact was significant, and the cost of cleanup was in the thousands of dollars.
Police want the thieves to know that the risk they’re putting their lives in, or the environmental impact of the theft, far outweighs the financial benefit of copper theft. It’s just not worth it.
