Copper cable theft. (Image Credit: BC Hydro)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Crooks strip over 1,300 metres of copper cable in Surrey, equal to an elephant in weight: BC Hydro

Feb 3, 2026 | 8:56 AM

SURREY – BC Hydro is sounding the alarm about the dangers connected to copper cable theft following a major incident in Surrey that left multiple maintenance holes unsecured and more than 1,300 metres of electrical cable stolen.

In a statement, the power company says the most recent theft came to light just weeks after issuing a province-wide alert involving increasing incidents of copper thefts. Copper thefts from maintenance holes have skyrocketed by more than 300 per cent in the past 18 months, with consequences that are not just costly, but could be potentially fatal.

BC Hydro says the ongoing issue especially came to light on December 24, 2025, when a motorist driving along 64 Avenue in Surrey reported running over a maintenance hole with its lid removed. While the immediate hazard was addressed, a full inspection of the area revealed copper cable was cut in 14 maintenance holes and had been stolen from three between the 15900 and 16200 blocks of 64th Avenue.

In total, thieves removed approximately 1,300 metres of copper cable weighing more than 8,000 pounds.

In December 2025, BC Hydro issued an info bulletin warning the public as copper thefts from maintenance holes skyrocketed by more than 300 per cent in the past 18 months. Thieves have been using vehicles and winches to tear the cables out from underground. This latest incident is one of approximately 22 similar copper thefts that have occurred across the province since April 2024. These larger copper thefts typically occur over weeks or months because the cables are extremely heavy and difficult to remove. In this case, the theft is believed to have occurred between October and December 2025.

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Copper cable used in these underground systems is primarily neutral wiring that when cut, typically does not cause a power outage. However, the thefts create serious and potentially deadly hazards for the public and BC Hydro crews, including:

• Serious risks to drivers and pedestrians from open or unsecured maintenance holes that can cause collisions, falls or vehicle damage.
• Life threatening electrical shock hazards from exposed wiring and damaged wiring left behind.
• Major safety risks to crews who must work in confined spaces and navigate electrical and traffic dangers to repair and replace the stolen cable.

“Copper theft isn’t just property damage, it’s extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson. “Open maintenance holes, exposed wiring and damaged electrical systems can all lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. We need the public’s help to report suspicious activity so we can prevent someone from getting seriously hurt.”

BC Hydro urges anyone who sees an open or suspiciously disturbed maintenance hole, or notices individuals working around BC Hydro infrastructure without clearly marked BC Hydro vehicles to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911 or BC Hydro Security Command Centre at 1-877-311-8611. It also reminds everyone to never assume electrical equipment is de-energized. A downed power line or damaged equipment is extremely dangerous and should be treated as an emergency. Stay at least 10 metres away – the length of a standard bus – and call 911 right away.