Lacombe Police Service warns of recent increase in copper wire thefts

Apr 23, 2026 | 1:54 PM

The Lacombe Police Service is reporting a recent increase in copper wire and welding cable thefts.

Police say over the past several days, they’ve responded to multiple reports that have involved the theft of copper-related materials from residential and commercial properties

The first one took place on April 17 in the area of Par Court sometime between midnight and 6 a.m. The Lacombe Police Service said welding cables were stolen from a parked truck in a residential driveway. The cables were valued at approximately $1,000. A male suspect on a bicycle was observed in the area during the timeframe of the theft.

Meanwhile, from April 17-20, the second incident took place at the 3400 block of 52 Avenue. Police say a large roll of copper wire was reported stolen from a commercial property. The investigation remains ongoing. The wire’s estimated value is approximately $10,000.

And finally, the third incident from April 21 to 22 happened in the Erica Drive area, where welding cables were cut and removed from a welding truck parked at a residence. The Lacombe Police Service said this happened sometime between 7:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.

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Multiple incidents

Lacombe Police Service warns of recent increase in copper wire thefts

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Before the theft, two men were observed riding bicycles with trailers in the area, and police added that this behaviour was considered suspicious.

“These incidents are believed to be crimes of opportunity, often occurring overnight and targeting easily accessible equipment left unsecured,” the LPS wrote in the release.

LPS is encouraging residents and business owners to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of theft, including:

Securing tools and equipment in locked areas whenever possible
Parking vehicles in well-lit or highly visible locations
Installing motion sensor lighting and surveillance cameras
Reporting suspicious activity immediately

Anyone who may have information related to these incidents or who observes suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood is asked to contact the Lacombe Police Service at 403-782-3279 or your local police agency. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.tipsubmit.com.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Lacombe Police Service warns of recent increase in copper wire thefts

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