Telephone lines cut in 6 heists as thieves target copper and bronze across Ontario: police

Police are searching for suspects in a crime spree where telephone lines were pulled down in Caledon as investigators are dealing with copper and metal thefts across Ontario.

The OPP said in August that telephone wires had been pulled and cut for resale in a pair of heists north of Brampton.

Police the perpetrators would cut the wires down from telephone poles and stash them on side of the road to be picked up in following days.

Investigators now say there were at least six separate copper thefts that were reported in the Caledon area last month where telephone wires were stolen from “rural areas in the middle of the night.”

The OPP released pictures of telephone wires that had been cut in Caledon.

The resale of copper and expensive metals used in construction project can be a lucrative business for criminals, with several incidents making headlines in recent months.

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In Toronto, more than a dozen bronze plaques have been stolen recently while thieves stole three copper deer statues in an Ontario town worth approximately $20,000 each.

Police have not said whether any residents have had telephone service disruptions due to the stolen wires.

The increase in thefts has police asking anyone who witnesses telephone lines being cut to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.