SOUTHERN ALBERTA CRIME STOPPERS
1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
WID Copper Theft Prevention
Southern Alberta Crime Stoppers has partnered with the Western Irrigation District to put a stop to copper theft in our region. As we know, in south central Alberta, every pivot matters. Our acres of wheat, and herds of cattle depend on irrigation. Unfortunately, Copper Theft within the Western Irrigation District is having a serious impact on our Farmers and our communities. Since 2021, copper theft in Alberta has risen nearly 93 percent, and every stolen wire means another field left dry and a direct impact to Alberta jobs, families, and food prices. This isn’t just theft, it’s an attack on critical infrastructure at the heart of our region. These are criminal offenses with serious penalties including jail time and significant fines.
For more than 75 years, the Western Irrigation District has managed the delivery of raw water to irrigators and communities east of Calgary.
When the WID took the reins of the Western Block from the Canadian Pacific Irrigation Department in 1944, we inherited more than just land and infrastructure. The momentum of innovation and vision continues today with strategic growth and sustainability as one of Alberta’s 11 irrigation districts.
If you have information related to copper theft or any other crime, call 1-800-222-TIPS or go to P3Tips.com to report suspicious activity anonymously. TIPs leading to an arrest can receive rewards of up to $2000. Remember, we want your information, not your name.
Copper Theft in Alberta
Copper theft continues to be a growing problem across Alberta, affecting both cities and rural communities. In recent years, incidents targeting telecommunications and utility infrastructure have caused widespread service disruptions and costly repairs. In Calgary alone, more than 40 major copper-wire thefts in 2025 resulted in over $1.4 million in damages and product losses. Telecommunications providers have reported a 67 percent increase in copper theft across the province, leaving homes and businesses without phone, internet, and even 911 service when critical cables are cut. These crimes not only carry a heavy financial toll but also create real public-safety risks for residents and repair crews alike.
Rural and Infrastructure Impact
In rural Alberta, the challenge is even greater. Remote properties, open construction sites, and exposed wiring make easy targets for thieves seeking valuable scrap metal. Offenders often pose as legitimate workers, use unmarked vehicles, and strike in low-visibility areas where surveillance is limited. Beyond the immediate losses, copper theft can lead to dangerous situations for emergency responders, extended service outages, and the diversion of public funds toward repairs and added security measures such as lighting, cameras, and alarms. Every stolen wire or cable compromises community safety and reliability.
Impact on Irrigation Districts in South-Central Alberta
Copper theft is also hitting Alberta’s vital agricultural infrastructure — particularly irrigation systems that support thousands of acres of farmland in south-central regions. Thieves have targeted centre-pivot irrigation systems and control panels, stealing hundreds of feet of copper wiring and causing major operational disruptions. These crimes result in lost watering time, equipment damage, and unexpected repair costs for both farmers and irrigation districts. They can also jeopardize compliance with provincial water-use regulations and delay critical irrigation schedules during peak growing periods. Protecting this infrastructure is essential to safeguarding local food production and the livelihoods of Alberta’s farm families.
More Information
If you would like to learn more about Copper Theft Prevention Partnerships with Crime Stoppers, please feel free to send us an email.