Copper theft is creating growing safety and infrastructure concerns across Ontario, prompting the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and London Hydro to launch a public awareness toolkit for utilities, municipalities and other community organizations.
Released Nov. 12, the free resource, titled Copper Theft Toolkit: Understanding Safety Risks and Community Impacts, provides adaptable communications materials to help organizations explain the dangers of copper theft, identify suspicious activity and encourage safe reporting.
The initiative comes as theft-related damage continues to affect electrical infrastructure and essential services. ESA has recorded 46 electrical safety incidents involving copper theft since 2015, while London Hydro reported more than $1.1 million in related costs during 2025, including repairs and theft-prevention measures.
Removing copper from electrical systems can expose energized equipment, creating risks of electric shock, burns, electrocution and fire. Hazards may not be immediately visible and can remain after a theft, putting utility workers, first responders and members of the public at risk.
Damage can also disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, affecting homes, businesses and public facilities. The resulting repair costs and additional security measures place further pressure on utilities and the communities they serve.
The toolkit highlights three core safety messages: understand the electrical risks, recognize the broader impact on essential infrastructure, and report suspicious activity. The agencies advise the public to stay at least 10 metres away from suspicious activity around electrical infrastructure and contact local authorities.
The free resources can be adapted for local websites, newsletters and social media campaigns. ESA and London Hydro are encouraging utilities, municipalities, police services, telecommunications providers and other affected organizations to share the materials with their communities.
The partnership also reflects renewed attention to infrastructure-related crimes following the passage of federal Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act. The agencies emphasized that legislative measures need to be complemented by public education and collaboration to prevent injuries.
Copper theft creates risks beyond the loss of materials, potentially exposing workers and the public to dangerous electrical conditions while disrupting essential services. For utilities and infrastructure operators, prevention efforts and timely public reporting can help reduce safety incidents, service interruptions and costly repairs.
The ESA and London Hydro initiative provides organizations across Ontario with a shared set of communication resources to strengthen awareness and encourage safer responses to suspected copper theft.
Source: ESA.
