Massive Copper Cable Theft in Surrey Highlights Growing Public Safety Crisis
In a brazen criminal operation that unfolded over several months, thieves in Surrey, British Columbia, made off with an astonishing haul of approximately 3,700 kilograms of copper cable. The theft, which involved removing lids from over a dozen maintenance holes along 64th Avenue, represents one of the largest and most dangerous incidents in a troubling provincial trend.
Discovery on Christmas Eve Reveals Extensive Damage
The scale of the theft became apparent on December 24th when a driver encountered a maintenance hole with its lid removed on 64th Avenue. Subsequent inspections by B.C. Hydro crews revealed a systematic operation: fourteen maintenance holes between the 15900- and 16200-blocks had been compromised, with thieves cutting and removing approximately 1,300 metres of valuable copper cable from each location.
This massive theft occurred despite B.C. Hydro issuing a province-wide alert just weeks earlier about skyrocketing copper thefts. According to the utility, such incidents have increased by more than 300 percent over the previous eighteen months, creating what officials describe as a "major safety risk" to both the public and utility crews.
Deadly Hazards Created by Copper Thefts
B.C. Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder emphasized that copper theft represents far more than simple property crime. "Copper theft isn't just property damage," Rieder stated. "It's extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. Open maintenance holes, exposed wiring and damaged electrical systems can all lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities."
The utility has identified several specific hazards created by these thefts:
- Traffic and pedestrian dangers: Open or improperly secured maintenance holes create serious risks for drivers and pedestrians, potentially causing collisions, falls, or vehicle damage.
- Electrical shock hazards: Exposed wiring and damaged electrical systems left behind by thieves can deliver life-threatening electrical shocks.
- Crew safety risks: Utility workers face major dangers when repairing stolen cable, including working in confined spaces and navigating both electrical and traffic hazards.
Pattern of Large-Scale Thefts Across British Columbia
The Surrey incident represents just one of approximately twenty-two similar copper thefts that have occurred across British Columbia since April 2024. These larger-scale operations typically unfold over weeks or months, according to B.C. Hydro, because the cables are "extremely heavy and difficult to remove."
In the Surrey case, investigators believe the theft occurred between October and December 2023. Most of the stolen cable served as neutral wiring in underground systems, meaning its removal didn't cause immediate power outages but created significant long-term safety concerns.
Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activity
B.C. Hydro is renewing its call for public vigilance in combating copper theft. The utility asks residents to report any suspicious activity around electrical infrastructure, particularly individuals working without clearly marked B.C. Hydro vehicles present.
If you observe suspicious activity or notice a maintenance hole that appears to have been tampered with, B.C. Hydro urges immediate reporting to 911 or their security command centre at 1-877-311-8611.
Critical safety reminder: Never assume electrical equipment isn't live. If you encounter a downed power line or damaged electrical equipment, treat it as an emergency. Maintain a distance of at least ten metres—approximately the length of a standard bus—and call 911 immediately.
The Surrey copper cable theft highlights a growing criminal trend with serious public safety implications across British Columbia. As valuable metals continue to attract criminal attention, utilities and law enforcement face increasing challenges in protecting both infrastructure and public safety.
