Smash-and-grab wire thefts from city utility boxes on the rise

Utility boxes throughout the city continue to be easy targets for thieves who pry them open, strip away the components and sell the scrap metal to recyclers. 

In an email, Waterloo Regional Police Service communications officer Melissa Quarrie said theft of copper wire is on the rise in Waterloo region in 2024 with 104 reports of theft under $5,000 so far and 13 reports of theft over $5,000. 

"Metal, particularly copper wire/cable, is often the target in these incidents and is resold on the black market," added Quarrie. 

Last year there were 122 reported incidents of wire theft under $5,000 and only seven reports of theft over $5,000. 

Just in the past few weeks, GrandBridge Energy and Bell Communications have had to conduct extensive repairs, in some cases replacing entire units due to damage so severe they couldn't be salvaged. 

Sheri Ojero, manager of corporate communications for GrandBridge said there have been several reports of damage to GrandBridge equipment as a result of theft over the years. 

"While these thefts are usually uncommon, it is important to note that touching any hydro or electrical lines can be fatal," Ojero said. 

Bell Communications has been the victim of multiple incidents as several of its boxes have been damaged in the past few weeks. 

"Damage to these boxes can be caused by a number of things including vandalism or being hit by vehicles. One of our technicians inspected several boxes over the past few days and did some minor repairs, while a few of them will need to be replaced," said Patricia Garcia, manager of communications for Bell.

Anyone who comes across a damaged Bell box is asked to call 1-866-480-5901 to report any damages. 

On May 5, police received a report of the theft of copper wire from a Bell utility box on Middle Block Road near Fountain Street North. The replacement value of the stolen distribution cable was approximately $2,500.

Neither organization can accurately quantify the amount of money lost due to damages, but local business owner Vic Berzins estimates it could be in the tens of thousands. 

Berzins owns Nabatech Communications Ltd. on Sheldon Drive and removes and replaces communications equipment across the region. 

He previously told CambridgeToday the boxes he removes are usually damaged beyond repair due to the stripping of precious metals like copper, or are just outdated. 

Berzins has also been the target of repeated thefts over the past few years, resulting in over $100,000 in damages and losses. 

The nature of Nabatech's business will leave them with excess amounts of copper and brass wire and components that he calls a "gold mine" for would-be thieves. 

"When they go through our garbage and take stuff, fine, we are throwing it away, but when they cut into our trailers, steal our tools and damage vehicles, then it's a problem." 

Quarrie said the utility boxes are an easy target for thieves because they know investigations can be challenging for police.

Damage isn't usually discovered until much later because vandalism typically occurs in less populated areas and during overnight hours, resulting in a lack of evidence to follow-up on.

Ojero said if anyone spots damage to electrical boxes they should avoid touching it and immediately call GrandBridge at 1-877-871-2215.