Sudbury is bucking a provincial trend in copper thefts, according to local police, even as telecommunications companies report a sharp national increase that includes parts of northeastern Ontario.
Local reports fall while broader figures climb
Bell Canada told media it recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism nationwide between January and June — a 78 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. The company said Ontario and New Brunswick experienced the biggest increases, and identified hotspots such as Hamilton, Niagara and Milton.
In northeastern Ontario, Bell reported 28 copper thefts from January to June 2026, up from seven during the same period in 2025.
| Jurisdiction / Period | Incidents | Year-over-year |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Jan–Jun) | 993 | +78% |
| Northeastern Ontario (Jan–Jun) | 28 (2026) vs 7 (2025) | N/A |
| Greater Sudbury — reported to police | See text | −33% vs 2025 |
Police and utilities give different snapshots
Greater Sudbury Police say the city has seen a decline in reported copper thefts. A police spokesperson said incidents of copper theft — across all types of copper theft, not only telecommunications wire — have decreased by 33 per cent compared with 2025.
"In relation to any copper theft, so not specifically just copper wire but any kind of copper theft, we have seen a 33 per cent decrease in comparison to 2025," said Greater Sudbury Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn.
That local trend contrasts with Bell’s accounting. The telecommunications company emphasised the national rise and said Ontario was among the provinces with the largest increases. In northeastern Ontario specifically, Bell recorded the jump from seven incidents in the first half of 2025 to 28 in the same period this year.
Risks, methods and aftermath
Greater Sudbury Utilities told media it experienced a significant spike in copper theft in early 2025, and has since seen numbers remain consistent. Company spokesperson Claude Sharma confirmed the earlier surge but said figures have stabilised.
Police outlined how thieves typically profit from stolen copper: they either bring material directly to scrap yards themselves or sell it to intermediaries who then take it to a buyer.
- Thieves target exposed wiring and infrastructure where copper is accessible.
- Stolen copper is sold directly to scrap yards or via intermediaries.
- Utilities and police warn of serious safety hazards when theft involves live electrical infrastructure.
The safety danger is not theoretical. In 2025, Greater Sudbury Utilities warned that people stealing copper risk severe electrical shock or worse. "They run the risk of receiving severe electrical shock, which would likely be fatal," said Scott Crew, operations superintendent at the utility, at the time.
What this means for Sudbury residents
For Sudbury residents, the mixed signals from local police and national companies underscore the need for ongoing vigilance. While reported thefts to police are down, the presence of a broader provincial and national uptick means infrastructure operators and community members must remain cautious.
Utilities have repeatedly emphasised not to approach or disturb wiring or fenced infrastructure. Residents who notice suspicious activity near utility boxes, telecommunications cabinets or construction sites are urged to report it to local police or their utility provider immediately.
Beyond immediate safety, copper theft can cause outages, costly repairs and service interruptions that affect homes and businesses across the city. Even if Sudbury’s reported incidents have declined, neighbouring regions’ increases could affect supply chains for repair parts and scrap-yard activity, potentially influencing local enforcement and prevention efforts.
Police and utilities continue to work together on prevention and public education. Residents can help by reporting suspicious transactions at scrap yards, unsecured construction sites, or vehicles carrying large amounts of metal, and by following public-safety guidance from local authorities.
As the situation evolves, Sudbury agencies say they will monitor trends and share updates if patterns change.
