A recent surge in copper wire thefts in Calgary and surrounding areas in recent weeks has disrupted essential services for thousands of residents and businesses.According to Telus, seven incidents of copper theft since July 10 have affected more than 3,500 customers in the Calgary area.“These copper lines carry landline phone services, including access to emergency services, which some vulnerable customers rely on,” Anne Martin, Vice President of Network Engineering and Operations at Telus, told CTV News.“The thefts can leave entire neighbourhoods unable to call for help, check on loved ones, or receive emergency alerts.”To address the damage, Telus said it has brought in crews from across Alta. and BC to work around the clock restoring impacted infrastructure..Telus calls for harsher penalties as copper theft disrupts telecom services .In a statement, Calgary Police Service (CPS) told the Western Standard that, “copper theft is a significant problem that often targets easy-access areas, such as exposed copper piping on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, especially in secluded or low-traffic locations.”CPS said thieves can “quickly strip this valuable metal, leading to thousands of dollars in damages.”The cost of the damages isn’t just from stolen copper either, but also from “the extensive repairs needed and the operational downtime for businesses or residents.”Telus emphasizes that this disturbing trend isn’t just a problem in Calgary — it’s a huge issue happening across the country.A recent high-profile case highlights the severity of the issue. On March 17, thieves broke into a business in Calgary’s Foothills Industrial area, stealing five rolls of copper wire valued at over $50,000.According to Calgary Crime Stoppers, the world market price for copper has skyrocketed in recent years, and with an apparent perceived low risk for high reward, criminals have been initiating attacks on critical infrastructure locations, telecommunications cables, electrical substations, and light rail transit lines..Copper thieves disrupting critical services nationwide.CPS says some tips businesses can follow to protect their copper piping and HVAC units are as follows:Secure the area by installing fencing or locked cages around outdoor HVAC units. Ensure the enclosure is sturdy and has limited access points.Use motion-activated or dusk-to-dawn lights to illuminate HVAC and utility areas, as thieves prefer to operate in the dark.Paint the copper piping black or mark it with a unique identifier to make it harder to sell and look less attractive to thieves. Install a metal cover over copper where possible.Install surveillance cameras to deter criminals and assist investigators if a theft occurs. Aim to install cameras on HVAC units and other external infrastructure.Conduct routine business property inspections, particularly after long weekends or off-hours. Early detection can minimize further risk.Consider hiring private security companies to patrol the area regularly for increased security.CPS says any residents or businesses impacted by copper theft should report the incident.
