Copper theft leaves Calgary manufacturer facing major losses

A Calgary manufacturer says copper theft has caused extensive financial damage beyond the estimated $255,000 worth of stolen equipment and materials, with production disruptions, repair costs and operational downtime adding significantly to its losses.

Crypto Therm Manufacturing says thieves damaged transformers, CNC machines, welding robots, generators and other critical equipment while stealing copper from its facility. CEO Austin Bank said replacement costs alone do not reflect the full impact on the business, pointing to lost production, labour expenses and prolonged disruptions.

Calgary police say copper thefts have increased since last year. Investigators believe some incidents are opportunistic, while others appear to involve organized criminal activity. Police say organized crime may play a role somewhere within the copper theft supply chain.

Police have charged a 54-year-old man with break and enter in connection with the investigation and continue to investigate the possible involvement of two other suspects.

The company says copper theft is also affecting Alberta's rural energy sector, where stolen control wires and power lines can force facilities to shut down and disrupt upstream oil and gas production.

Bank argues that scrap metal regulations are not being enforced effectively, allowing stolen copper to be sold with limited scrutiny. Although Alberta strengthened scrap metal reporting requirements last year, Calgary police say the rules are only effective if recycling businesses comply with the reporting requirements.