Charges laid in copper wire theft that left 1,200 without phone, internet access in SE Calgary
Posted Oct 9, 2025 10:10 am.
Calgary police have laid charges in the theft of copper wire in the city’s southeast this summer that left 1,200 homes and businesses without phone, internet, and TV service.
At about 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, two unknown men went into a manhole in an alley way near Radcliffe Drive SE, according to police.
Investigators believe the pair then cut telecommunications cables in an attempt to steal copper wiring.
They then left the manhole and tried to get the cables out using ropes tied to a red Dodge Ramp pickup truck.
A witness saw the suspicious activity, confronted the men, and later called 911 after they fled in the truck.
Police say five telecommunications cables servicing the area north of Memorial Drive SE were damaged, resulting in the loss of phone, internet and television service, including access to 911.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) was able to identify the suspects thanks to information provided by the witness.
Forty-year-old Justin Cecil Scott has now bee charged with mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 15.
Charges are pending against the second suspect.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
