A surge in wire thefts has led to a response from the City of Prince George urging residents to keep their eyes open for suspicious activity around street lights.
According to the city, wire theft has surged in recent months, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and impacting public safety.
Over the past six months, there has been a significant increase in copper wire theft, with an estimated $25,000 in repair costs since October.
Thieves primarily target streetlights by accessing wires through handholes, cutting them, and pulling out underground wiring.
The city noted thefts disrupt essential lighting infrastructure but also led to extensive repairs that divert valuable time and resources from maintenance crews.
The crimes typically occur at night in areas with minimal vehicle traffic, such as residential neighborhoods and locations with easy escape routes.
Anyone who notices such activity is asked to call the RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-561-3300. If a crime is in progress, call 911.
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