(DUFFERIN COUNTY) - The Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is currently investigating an increase in copper thefts across the region.

These thefts involve telephone wires, utility lines, and cable boxes, and are primarily occurring in rural or poorly lit areas, including parks and other secluded locations, often during the overnight hours. In many cases, the wires are cut from utility poles, dragged to the roadside, and then retrieved at a later date.

Dufferin OPP has also received reports of individuals carrying out these thefts in broad daylight while wearing reflective gear to pose as legitimate road or utility workers. This deceptive tactic is used to avoid drawing suspicion from the public.