Thieves steal copper wire worth $250,000 from Charlie Lake over more than two months

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Over $250,000 worth of copper has been stolen from Charlie Lake over more than two months. 

In a press release, the RCMP said the theft occurred intermittently between November 26th, 2025 and February 4th, 2026. 

The police received a report on February 4th, 2026 that approximately $250,000 worth of copper wire had been stripped and stolen from an unmanned rural gas site. 

The site was located on Lower Cache Road near Highway 97 in Charlie Lake. 

Constable Christiaan Dreyer, media relations officer with the Fort St. John RCMP, said the police are asking anyone who has seen something suspicious or has dashcam or surveillance footage of suspicious activity to contact them. 

Dreyer said: “With thefts like these, suspects usually spend a considerable amount of time at the site.

“Handling and hauling that amount of stolen material also makes the acts much more conspicuous.” 

Recently, BC Hydro reported a drastic increase in theft of copper from maintenance holes since January 2024 in B.C., including Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. 

The RCMP continues to investigate and is asking for anyone with information in this matter to contact the Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100. 

Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.