Milton Man Faces Eight Charges After Halton Police Copper Theft Investigation

A Milton man is facing multiple charges after Halton Regional Police allege he was behind a string of copper thefts that knocked out phone and internet service for residents across Milton and Halton Hills.

What Happened

Halton Regional Police say officers were called to a fire near Eighth Line and Fifth Side Road in Milton on June 6. According to police, when officers arrived they found a man they allege was burning insulation off copper cable that had been cut from nearby utility infrastructure, apparently to prepare it for resale as scrap metal. Police say the man fled the scene before officers could take him into custody.

Investigators continued the investigation, and on June 9 police arrested a 41-year-old Milton resident. Police allege the man is connected to a series of copper thefts reported across Milton and Halton Hills since the start of 2026 — thefts that police say caused significant damage to telecommunications infrastructure and left some residents without phone or internet service for extended periods.

The man is facing eight charges, including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, theft over $5,000, mischief under $5,000, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, according to police. The charges have not been tested in court and no conviction has been reported.

Key Details

• Investigation began after a fire call near Eighth Line and Fifth Side Road in Milton on June 6

• A 41-year-old Milton man was arrested June 9

• Police allege the thefts targeted copper cable from telephone lines and utility poles

• Eight charges have been laid, including theft over $5,000 and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

• Police say they had received numerous reports of copper theft in the region since early 2026

Community Impact

Copper theft has been a recurring problem for telecommunications infrastructure in Halton Region this year, and residents in affected areas have reported losing home phone and internet service for extended periods while lines were repaired. Halton Police say investigations like this one are aimed at reducing the disruption these thefts cause to local infrastructure and the residents who rely on it.

Background

Halton Regional Police have investigated several copper theft cases across the region in 2026, including earlier arrests connected to a broader theft ring uncovered earlier this year. Police say copper theft remains a persistent issue because of the resale value of the metal at scrapyards, and they continue to encourage anyone with information about suspicious activity near utility infrastructure to contact investigators.

Source: Halton Regional Police Service — https://www.haltonpolice.ca/news-releases/posts/police-make-arrest-in-copper-theft-investigation/

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