Increase of penalties urged by Telus amid surge in copper theft incidences in Alberta
In a bid to combat the increasing issue of copper and scrap metal thefts, the provincial government of Alberta is implementing stricter regulations. The move comes after a significant rise in incidents, with 25 copper thefts reported in July alone, approximately 10 of which occurred in Edmonton.
Telecommunications giant, Telus, has been at the forefront of advocating for these changes. The company has reported a 68% increase in cable thefts across Canada since January, and an 80% increase for Telus specifically since last year. These thefts have resulted in disruptions in phone and internet access for thousands of customers.
Anne Martin, network engineering and operations VP for Telus, has emphasised the significance of the issue, stating that it poses a risk to public safety. To combat the problem, Telus has taken measures such as welding manholes shut and hiring 24/7 security to guard communication boxes.
The province is also advocating for the federal government to update the Criminal Code to collectively deter crimes related to copper and scrap metal thefts. This includes calls for stricter penalties beyond theft under $5,000 and more oversight on scrap metal dealers.
In a positive step towards combating the issue, a new provincial regulation will come into effect on October 1. This regulation requires recycled metal buyers in Alberta to record transaction details, making it harder for criminals to profit from stolen scrap metal and catalytic converters.
The provincial government is also implementing enhanced surveillance, stricter penalties, and increased police patrols to ensure the effective implementation of these new regulations. The goal is to curb the steady increase in copper and metal thefts and restore peace and stability to the communities affected by these crimes.
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