Charges laid in copper wire theft targeting telecommunications infrastructure

We have charged one man in connection to a copper wire theft in the city’s southeast that disrupted phone, internet and television service for approximately 1,200 residences and businesses.

At about 6:20 a.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, two unknown men accessed a manhole in the alley way near the 2600 block of Radcliffe Drive S.E. It is believed the two men then cut telecommunications cables in an attempt to steal copper wiring. They then exited the manhole and tried to extract the cables using ropes tied to a red Dodge Ram pickup truck.

A witness observed the suspicious activity, confronted the men and later called 911 after they fled in the truck.

Five telecommunications cables servicing the area north of Memorial Drive S.E., were damaged, resulting in the loss of phone, internet and television service, including access to 911.

Our General Investigations Unit was assigned to investigate and thanks to information provided by the witness, officers were able to identify the suspects.

As a result, Justin Cecil SCOTT, 40, has been charged with mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.

SCOTT will next appear in court on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.

Charges are pending against the second suspect. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case # CA25337839/5158