Metal theft is a growing and challenging problem that tends to be underestimated. Both local and international supply and demand strongly influence wire and metal theft. Local wire and metal theft problems can be linked to international demand and high prices.
Thieves target all kinds of metals. Theft can include catalytic convertors in cars, copper boat propellers, metal roof gutters and fencing. Wire from street lamps and telephone cables are also vulnerable, as well as vacant buildings and homes under construction.
Thieves use a variety of methods to locate and steal wire and metal. Some have posed as renovation contractors while stripping copper from vacant homes. Others have been known to use resources such as GOOGLE EARTH to identify large amounts of metal (such as spools of wire) stored outdoors.
Costs due to damage done by theft to commercial, residential or City of Surrey property can easily outweigh the value of the stolen items.
See the Metal and Wire Theft Brochure to see how you can report and be aware of Metal Theft in your community.