Police respond to dozens of scrap, wire thefts in Cambridge this year
Posted Jun 18, 2026 03:45:30 AM.
Last Updated Jun 18, 2026 11:41:02 AM.
A growing number of scrap metal and wire thefts in Waterloo Region has the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) launching an education and prevention initiative this summer.
Cambridge is the area of focus with 38 such thefts reported between February and May this year.
“These incidents have primarily occurred overnight and on weekends in industrial and construction areas across Cambridge, particularly in the north end and Galt areas,” reads a release from police.
Back in the spring, Cambridge Ward 1 Councillor Helen Shwery took to social media, saying copper wire thefts in particular are a “huge” problem in the city and was trying to raise awareness.
The WRPS campaign will focus on prevention, enforcement and education on these types of thefts, which have led to copper wiring, scrap metal, and tools being removed from heating and cooling systems.
“Targets have included commercial properties under renovation, construction sites, homes under construction, metal recycling businesses, and power equipment stores,” read the release.
In April, Police Chief Mark Crowell spoke on The Mike Farwell Show about the rise in copper wire thefts, specifically in Cambridge.
“Even for a small piece of scrap metal coming out of air conditioner units and so on, it can be tens of thousands of dollars of damage for a couple of hundred dollars of metal,” said Crowell.
“It’s often a small network of people that are either local or coming to take advantage of opportunities within the region, so the ongoing reporting is crucial. We have multiple projects, we are focusing on prolific offenders, people known to be involved, and we have made some significant arrests and investigative inroads.”
Businesses and construction sites in the problem areas will notice a larger police presence over the coming weeks as the initiative runs into early July.
Some tips from police to reduce the risk of these thefts include:
- Securing materials in locked buildings, containers, or fenced compounds
- Keeping valuable items out of public view
- Posting clearly visible No Trespassing signage
- Installing and maintaining video surveillance systems
- Ensuring adequate lighting around storage areas and entry points
- Restricting access to sites and securing gates and locks
- Marking materials where possible and conducting regular inventory checks
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