Latest news with #copperwiretheft
CTV News
6 days ago
- CTV News
North Bay police seek suspect in copper wire theft
A surveillance image of a suspect in a copper wire left from a business on Commerce Crescent in North Bay, Ont., between July 19-20, 2025. (Supplied/North Bay Police Service) The North Bay Police Service is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the theft of copper wire from a local company. Theft in industrial area The incident occurred over the weekend, in a secured outdoor area on Commerce Crescent in one of the city's industrial districts. Authorities say the suspect entered the restricted area and stole an undisclosed amount of copper wire. 'The estimated value of the stolen property has not yet been determined,' said North Bay police spokesperson Jennifer Cross, in an email to 'The matter is currently under active investigation,' said police in a news release. North Bay - Wire Theft Suspect - Sweater A surveillance image of a suspect in a copper wire left from a business on Commerce Crescent in North Bay, Ont., between July 19-20, 2025. (Supplied/North Bay Police Service) Investigators have released surveillance images of the individual. North Bay - Wire Theft Suspect - Shirtless A surveillance image of a suspect in a copper wire left from a business on Commerce Crescent in North Bay, Ont., between July 19-20, 2025. (Supplied/North Bay Police Service) 'At this time, there is no indication that this incident is connected to any other investigations,' said Cross. Public appeal for information Authorities are urging anyone with information about the theft to contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555, selecting option 5, or Crime Stoppers anonymously. 'We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward,' said police. 'Your assistance is appreciated and can make a meaningful difference in our ongoing investigation.'
CBS News
22-07-2025
- CBS News
2 arrested after investigation into copper wire theft in Maryland reveals multi-state burglary scheme
Two people are facing charges after an investigation into a series of copper wire thefts in Maryland led to the discovery of a multi-state burglary scheme, according to Bel Air police. Dominique Jeffery Johnson and Myah Michelle Portia Parker, both from Washington, D.C., were charged in connection with the thefts, police said. On March 18, police began investigating a series of burglaries that targeted American Design and Build, a contracting company in the 200 block of Gateway Drive. During the burglaries on February 28, March 5 and March 18, the suspects illegally entered a building, gained access to a secure storage area and stole about $16,000 worth of copper wire from a company work van, according to police. Led by Detective Sergeant Henry Marchesani, Bel Air police used investigative techniques to identify and track the suspects, including surveillance technology, digital forensics and law enforcement records. The investigation eventually led to the identification of the suspects. Bel Air police also learned that other law enforcement agencies were investigating Johnson and Parker for similar crimes. Bel Air officials worked with 17 other police departments to reveal that the suspects were involved in 20 other crimes across at least five states. Johnson and Parker were arrested on July 1. Johnson is in custody in Virginia, and Parker is in custody in Harford County, according to police. Both have been indicted in connection with the burglaries. While burglaries continue to be a problem in Maryland, the number of cases has declined slightly in recent years. In 2023, there were 12,061 burglaries reported in Maryland, according to data from the Department of State Police. That year, property crimes, including burglaries, led to $772 million in losses. The number of burglaries dropped by nearly 1% in 2024, as 11,919 cases and $745 million in losses were reported. So far in 2025, nearly 4,684 burglaries have been reported in Maryland, data shows.
Phone Arena
21-07-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
AT&T suffers a 3,000% increase in copper theft, $20,000 reward up for grabs
Technology is on the rise, but so is crime, as it seems. In California, a telco is experiencing something that surprised me – and that's very impressive, given the promise I made to myself not to be impressed and/or surprised by news in 2025. This AT&T announcement, however, tells a story so thrilling, it's hard to ignore. It's authored by AT&T California President Susan Santana. According to her, California is grappling with a surge in copper wire theft and infrastructure vandalism that is endangering public safety and disrupting essential connectivity. The carrier reports a dramatic rise in incidents, with more than 2,200 cases of copper theft recorded across the state in 2024, compared to just 71 in 2021. I loved math back in high school, but I needed a calculator for this one: that's a ~3,000% surge in the last three years. These crimes have caused significant damage by disabling streetlights, cutting off phone and broadband services, and generating repair costs that reach into the millions. In response, AT&T is partnering with government officials, businesses, and community leaders to find solutions and protect customers who are often the most affected. In June, Santana joined California Attorney General Rob Bonta in Los Angeles for a community roundtable focused on this issue. The gathering brought together over 40 representatives from 26 organizations to discuss the widespread impact of copper theft and explore strategies to strengthen enforcement and prevent future crimes. Renita Pettigrew, AT&T 's Assistant Vice President of Construction & Engineering, contributed to the conversation by outlining how theft and vandalism undermine infrastructure and disrupt access to critical services. To combat these crimes, AT&T has introduced a statewide reward program of up to $20,000 for actionable information that leads to arrests and convictions connected to copper cable theft or the sale and purchase of stolen copper. So, here's your chance to win the reward: if you have valuable information, maybe don't hesitate to share it with the authorities. – Susan Santana, AT&T California President, July 2025 Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, such as unmarked vehicles or individuals cutting and removing cables. Reports can be made to local law enforcement or AT&T Global Security at (800) 807-4205. AT&T 's reward offer is valid for leads submitted through February 1, 2026.
CTV News
18-07-2025
- CTV News
Multiple people sent to hospital after morning crash in New Tecumseth
A recent spate of copper wire thefts continued in New Liskeard last week when it emerged that tens of thousands of dollars worth had been stolen from a construction site in New Liskeard. A crash involving a transport truck in the Town of New Tecumseth sent three people to the local hospital. On Friday morning, Nottawasaga Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers arrived on the scene of a collision near the 8th Line and Sideroad 15. Police asked all drivers to avoid the area while crews worked to conduct their investigation. OPP say a transport truck and another vehicle collided along the rural road. Police confirmed to CTV News that three people were taken to the hospital after facing minor injuries from the crash. OPP say the investigation remains ongoing and newer information will be shared if required.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- CTV News
Thieves take $40K in copper wire from northern Ont. construction yard
A recent spate of copper wire thefts continued in New Liskeard last week when it emerged that tens of thousands of dollars worth had been stolen from a construction site in New Liskeard. A recent spate of copper wire thefts continued in New Liskeard last week when it emerged that tens of thousands of dollars worth had been stolen from a construction site in New Liskeard. Some valuable heavy equipment was also damaged. The thefts took place sometime between July 6 and July 11 at a site on Hawn Drive, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Thursday. The theft was reported around 2:45 p.m. on July 11. Rock crushers, conveyors 'Upon arrival, police learned that a substantial quantity of copper wire had been removed from heavy machinery stored in the rear of a construction yard, including multiple rock crushers and conveyors,' police said. 'Preliminary estimates placed the value of the stolen materials at over $40,000. The total loss is expected to be higher once repair costs and machinery downtime are factored in.' Copper wire thefts affected cellphone service in East Ferris on Thursday. And about $100,000 in copper wire was stripped from 33 hydro poles near a generating station earlier this year. Anyone with information related to this incident -- including sightings of suspicious activity or individuals in the area between the dates mentioned -- is asked to contact the Temiskaming OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online and reference incident No. E250915566.
