Copper wire theft is on the rise

OPP News Release

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Northeastern Ontario - The Ontario Provincial Police is advising commercial businesses, telecommunication companies, public utilities, and mining operations to increase security in response to the growing number of copper wire thefts in the region.

Due to the recent climb in the market price of scrap copper, there has been an increase in the number of incidents. Selling of scrap copper is a cash business regulated by few by-laws and no provincial legislation.

Police will be seeking maximum sentences for anyone convicted of stealing copper wire at a power distribution, power generation, or telecommunication site. Sites where copper wire can be stolen will be the subject of police surveillance and increased patrols.

In the event you are a victim of a theft:

 Call the police immediately. The OPP can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-310-1122.

 Do not disturb anything or clean up the scene until the police say it is okay to do so. Try not to walk where the thieves may have walked, parked their vehicle, or entered your property.

If you have any information relating to any crime please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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