A brazen theft in Surrey revealed a disturbing trend: thieves are systematically stripping valuable copper from underground electrical systems. Over the course of weeks, they targeted maintenance holes, ripping away lids and hauling off an astonishing 1,300 metres of cable – a weight equivalent to an average elephant.
The discovery came on Christmas Eve when a driver unknowingly rolled over an open maintenance hole, a dangerous consequence of the thieves’ actions. Subsequent investigation revealed fourteen compromised holes along a short stretch of 64th Avenue, each plundered of its copper wiring.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Reports of copper theft from these vulnerable access points had already surged by over 300 percent in the preceding eighteen months, prompting a province-wide alert. This particular heist was one of approximately twenty-two similar thefts reported across British Columbia since April.
Removing the copper isn’t a quick operation; the sheer weight of the cable means these thefts unfold gradually, over weeks or even months. Authorities are still piecing together how the stolen metal is being sold, suspecting it’s being diverted outside of legitimate scrap metal channels to avoid detection and hefty fines.
While much of the stolen copper is neutral wiring that doesn’t immediately cause power outages, the consequences are far from harmless. The open maintenance holes pose immediate dangers to drivers and pedestrians, creating risks of collisions, falls, and vehicle damage.
More critically, exposed and damaged wiring creates life-threatening electrical shock hazards. Repair crews face significant risks as well, forced to work in confined spaces while navigating live electrical systems and traffic dangers. This isn’t simply property damage; it’s a direct threat to human life.
Officials are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around electrical infrastructure – individuals working near maintenance holes without clearly marked vehicles, for example. Any observation, no matter how small, could be crucial.
If you encounter a tampered maintenance hole or suspect illegal activity, immediately contact 911 or the security command centre. Remember, never assume electrical equipment is safe. Maintain a distance of at least ten metres – roughly the length of a bus – from any downed power lines or damaged equipment and call for emergency assistance.
The theft of copper represents a serious and escalating danger. Recognizing the signs and reporting suspicious behavior can help protect both the public and those who work to maintain our essential electrical infrastructure.
