Edmonton police hunt for suspect in copper wire thefts

Edmonton police have turned to the public in hopes of tracking down a suspected copper wire thief.

Article content

Between January 2025 and February 2026, Edmonton police investigated four copper wire thefts, according to a Thursday news release. During two break-ins at telecommunications tower sites, copper wire was stripped and “critical infrastructure” was damaged. In addition, two homes under construction were broken into and copper wiring was ripped out.

Article content

Article content

Article content

These incidents left more than $80,000 in damages and stolen property, investigators estimate.

Article content

Article content

Police are now hunting for a suspect in the break-ins. Chad Brochu, 43, is wanted on warrants for break-and-enter with intent to commit and breach of probation. He is described as six-foot-three, 170 pounds, with a medium build, brown hair and brown eyes, and is known to wear glasses.

Article content

Anyone with information on Brochu’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Residents are warned not to approach Brochu. 

Article content

So far this year, Edmonton police have recorded 424 reports of copper wire theft in the city and have made 40 related arrests, police said in the release.

Article content

Article content

Article content

You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.

Article content