Nova Scotia Copper Thefts Surge: Nearly 70 Cases in 2025

UPDATE: Nova Scotia is facing a critical surge in copper thefts, with nearly 70 incidents reported in just the first few months of 2025. The Colchester RCMP is overwhelmed, as the crime disrupts telecommunications and power services across the province.

During a town hall meeting in Tatamagouche on Wednesday, Sgt. Marc Rose of the Colchester RCMP confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, “Copper theft and wire theft is huge across the province right now. We’re just inundated in Colchester with that.” The effects of these thefts are being compared to major infrastructure sabotage, significantly impacting local communities.

According to David Joice, director of network operations at Bell Canada, the rise in copper thefts has been alarming. “In 2025, we’ve seen twice as many incidents as we saw in 2024 and four times the amount that we saw in 2023,” Joice revealed. Most of the thefts are occurring in northern Nova Scotia, leaving residents vulnerable and without essential services.

On the same day, Bell customers in Wentworth, N.S., experienced outages directly linked to these thefts. Joice noted that thieves often strike in the dead of night, exploiting minimal security measures. “Usually these things happen in the middle of the night. That’s when thieves take advantage,” he explained, emphasizing that security cameras are now being installed to deter further incidents.

The ramifications for residents are severe. Repairs to damaged lines can take up to 12 hours, leading to significant disruptions in internet and phone services. While the shift to fiber optic cables has reduced the reliance on copper, many systems remain interconnected, leaving areas vulnerable to outages. Affected Nova Scotians have reported losing both internet and landline services, alongside potential power disruptions.

Officials from Nova Scotia Power warn that theft is not only a financial issue but also a dangerous one. Live wires can carry more than 25,000 volts of electricity, posing serious risks to thieves and repair crews alike. Adam King, operations manager for substations at Nova Scotia Power, stated, “We don’t want to see anybody get hurt at any of our facilities. It’s an unsafe place to be.”

Amid growing frustration within the community, residents expressed concerns over repeat offenders being released back into society after being charged with theft. Joice pointed out the lack of deterrence, urging for stronger measures. “It’s such a pervasive and impactful issue that it needs to stop,” he said, highlighting hopes that proposed federal bail reforms will help address the problem.

As police investigate, they have identified approximately five known groups involved in these thefts, and local metal recyclers are cooperating with authorities. However, the increasing frequency of crime raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures.

This urgent situation demands attention as communities grapple with the fallout from copper thefts. Residents are left asking: what will be done to protect essential services and ensure their safety?

As developments unfold, Nova Scotia communities are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities to help combat this growing crisis.