Recent commercial wire thefts in Abbotsford have resulted in more than $100,000 in damage to Telus equipment and have interrupted 911 and other services, according to police.
Sgt. Paul Walker, media officer with the Abbotsford Police Department, said there has been a increase in wire thefts over the past few weeks targeting Telus communication lines.
He said the two most recent thefts occurred Thursday, Oct. 17 between 5 and 7:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of McCallum Road (between McConnell and Vye) and Wednesday, Oct. 23 between 4 and 7:30 a.m. in the 4500 block of Sumas Mountain Road (between McKee and Dawson).
Walker said all Telus employees or contractors working on overhead lines use vehicles and equipment that identify with whom they are working.
The APD is now asking that anyone with dash-cam footage from the areas of the two most recent thefts contact them at askmedia@abbypd.ca.
As well, Walker said anyone who sees suspicious activity to or around power lines should report it to the police.
Earlier this year, the Canadian Telecommunications Association pushed for new legislation that would impose tougher sentences for wire theft.
The organization said theft or vandalism at telecommunications site had increased 400 per cent since 2022.
"Whether it is stealing copper wires for resale as scrap metal, or deliberate attempts to damage telecommunications equipment, this rise in incidents of vandalism and theft demands further action," the agency said in a press release at the time.
"These acts cause major disruptions to affected Canadians and can have a serious impact on public health and safety."
