1. Combating Metal Theft TELUS Gary Rodricks
Sr. Investigator Corporate Security
Recycling Council of BC
May 7th , 2019

3. Royal Canadian Mounted Police 25 Yrs
Royal Canadian Mounted Police 25 Yrs. Property Crime Investigator & Metal Theft Coordinator

4. What is Metal & Wire Theft?
Metal theft has been a growing and challenging problem that tends to be underestimated.
Both local and international supply and demand strongly influence wire and metal theft.
Local wire and metal theft problems can be linked to international demand and high prices.

6. Copper Price
& Chart for High Grade Copper                                                                   

7. Thieves target all kinds of metals
Theft can include catalytic convertors in cars, copper boat propellers, metal roof gutters and fencing.
Wire from street lamps and telephone cables are also vulnerable, as well as vacant buildings and homes under construction.
Metal and Wire Theft at Construction Sites - Global BC News Segment - 6:00 Mark

9. Old Yale Cable Cut

10. Thieves use a variety of methods to locate and steal wire and metal
Some have posed as renovation contractors while stripping copper from vacant homes.
Posed as utilities employees.
Wandering neighborhood looking for opportunity,
Metal and Wire Theft - How Thieves Steal It - Global BC News - 11:00 Mark

12. Douglas Road Cable Cut

13. Douglas Road Cable Cut

14. How does metal & wire theft impact you?
service disruptions.
Threats to infrastructure and public safety (hospitals, emergency response systems).
Power outages – e.g. electricity, heating, street and traffic lights, highway advance warning signs.
Communication systems such as phone, television and internet service outages.
Increases to service costs and added resource demands.
Metal and Wire Theft Costs - Global BC News

16. How does metal & wire theft impact you?
There are not only financial costs and inconvenience issues when thieves steal metal, but there are also personal impacts and safety concerns to community citizens and business owners that create a feeling of victimization, stress and frustration.
Metal and Wire Theft Causes Safety Concerns - Global BC News

17. If you see wire or metal being stolen, (crime in progress), call 9-1-1
If you witness a person loitering at a power pole or street light pole, even with an identifiable uniform, call the non-emergency number to request police to verify the work being done, or call the agency the employee may represent.

19. What to look for
Smell of burning rubber and plastic (indicates thieves burning insulation off stolen wire).
People digging under roadways or underpasses for metal tubing.
Covers removed off street light poles or junction boxes.
Wires hanging out of covers or compartments.
People transporting odd or large amounts of wire or metal.

21. Who to call
If you observe a crime in progress or suspicious activity you can contact the following organizations, depending on what you observe:
Emergency (for crimes in progress)
Local Police Non-emergency
Crime Stoppers TIPS (8477)
BC HYDRO
TELUS