Main Infrastructure Heist Found Throughout Vacation Season
A big copper cable theft impacting over a kilometer of underground infrastructure was found in Surrey on December 24, based on utility officers. The crime got here to gentle after a motorist reported driving over an uncovered upkeep gap on 64 Avenue.
Scope of the Harm
Investigations revealed thieves had tampered with 14 upkeep vaults between 159th and 162nd Streets, efficiently eradicating roughly 1,300 meters of copper cable weighing greater than 8,000 kilos. Primarily based on present copper market values, the stolen materials carries an estimated value exceeding $64,000.
Rising Copper Theft Traits
This incident occurred simply 13 days after utility officers warned a few 300% enhance in underground copper thefts over the earlier 18 months. Safety experiences point out thieves are utilizing autos geared up with winches to extract heavy cables, with roughly 22 comparable large-scale thefts recorded throughout British Columbia since April 2024.
“These refined operations typically span weeks or months because of the difficult nature of eradicating such heavy supplies,” said utility representatives. “On this occasion, proof suggests the theft occurred between October and December 2025.”
Risks of Electrical Tampering
Officers emphasised that whereas the stolen impartial wiring would not usually trigger energy outages, these thefts create a number of public hazards. Uncovered upkeep holes current fall dangers, broken wiring carries electrocution risks, and restore crews face vital security challenges throughout restoration work.
“Copper theft is not simply property injury, it is extraordinarily harmful and places lives in danger,” stated utility spokesperson Susie Rieder. “Open upkeep holes, uncovered wiring and broken electrical programs can all result in catastrophic accidents or fatalities.”
Name for Public Vigilance
Residents are urged to report any suspicious exercise round electrical infrastructure, together with:
– Open or disturbed upkeep holes
– Unmarked autos close to utility tools
– Suspicious work being carried out with out official identification
Officers remind the general public to remain not less than 10 meters away from broken electrical tools and instantly contact emergency companies or the utility’s safety command middle at 1-877-311-8611.
