Electricity industry calls for action on copper theft

The Canadian Electricity Association is urging the federal government to establish tighter regulations surrounding metal transactions as the theft of copper continues.

The price of copper has increased by about 200 per cent over the past decade, tempting thieves to steal it from existing electrical systems despite the danger, said Geoff Smith, the organization'sdirector of government relations.

In the past six years, eight people have died in relation to copper theft, Smith said.

"Sevenwere the perpetrators who were killed in the process of removing copper and onewas a security guard who encountered an incident in progress at a mine in Quebec and was killed by the thievesmurdered," he said.

Gatineau Policecreated a special unit focused on copper theft to curb the ongoing problem, said Sgt. Jean-Paul Lemay.

"We've had regular arrestsbut the thefts keep going on," Lemay said.

Smith said it's time to regulate thecash-for-metal business by limitingtransactions and requiringa proof of identity from the seller tocreatea clear record forpolice who investigate stolen property.

It'scurrently a matter of provincial jurisdiction but Smith said that's not effective.B.C., Albertaand NovaScotiaare the only provinces with regulations in place.

"It really is only as effective as it is in the province next door. For example, if in NovaScotiathere is a tightening of that transaction, New Brunswick may see an uptick in incidents there."

For the most part, those caught stealing copper are charged withtheft under $5,000.

"Maybe it's time to update the Criminal Code for an offence that could be used in this case, that would be more proportional to the impact of these crimes," Smithsaid.