The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched an investigation into four recent incidents of copper wire theft in Nova Scotia. According to police reports, there were two instances of lines being cut in Colchester County, a power line being severed and removed from the ground in Cumberland County, and cables stolen from an unoccupied building in Hants County. These thefts occurred between July 28 and August 4.

Sergeant Stuart Beselt of Cumberland County District RCMP highlighted that copper wire theft is a persistent issue in Nova Scotia. He expressed concern over the ongoing problem, stating that it shows no signs of diminishing. The surge in copper theft incidents is not unique to Nova Scotia, as Bell reported a 78% increase in stolen copper wires nationwide since the previous year, with a majority of thefts concentrated in Ontario and New Brunswick.

These recent thefts follow three separate incidents of copper theft at railway crossings in Pictou County in June. Beselt explained that rural areas, with aging infrastructure and limited surveillance, are attractive targets for potential thieves due to the abundance of isolated transmission lines. The stolen copper wires have a direct impact on telecommunications infrastructure, as evidenced by a disruption in phone and internet services in Colchester County.

Beselt emphasized the risks associated with copper theft, citing a recent incident in Cumberland County where an individual was critically injured due to electrocution while attempting to steal copper wires. Despite these dangers and disruptions, no arrests have been made in connection with the recent thefts.

The RCMP’s investigation is ongoing as they work to address the persistent issue of copper wire theft in Nova Scotia.