BC Hydro is warning the public after an alarming surge in copper thefts across the province.
Utility officials said copper thefts have risen by over 300 per cent over the last 18 months.
“Thieves are targeting BC Hydro maintenance holes that house copper cables essential for carrying electricity between underground circuits and substations,” officials said.
Officials added that the consequences of these thefts are not only costly, but potentially fatal.
They explained that the thefts pose a major public safety risk, with the potential to electrocute thieves and put BC Hydro crews in danger during repairs.
Open maintenance holes can also cause pedestrians or vehicles to fall, while severed cables may spark fires or trigger outages.
BC Hydro said 24 incidents have been reported since January 2024, compared to just five in the previous two years.
Most of the incidents occurred on Vancouver Island or in the Lower Mainland, with only one reported in Northern BC.
“In each case, suspects removed maintenance hole covers and cut cables at both ends, typically targeting a single span of approximately 200 metres before dragging the cable out using a vehicle or winch,” officials said.
Repair costs are estimated to be around $1.2 million.
BC Hydro is urging the public to report any suspicious activity near electrical infrastructure by calling 911 or the BC Hydro Security Command Centre at 1-877-311-8611.
-Noah Abel CJDC
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