WHEREAS copper wire theft compromises road user safety, inhibits the promotion of businesses and public facilities; AND WHEREAS copper wire theft creates a significant risk of electrocution for the public; AND WHEREAS the replacement of copper wire, following theft, places a heavy financial burden on local governments and the provincial Ministry of Transportation: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities work with the provincial government to establish legislation related to transactions involving scrap metal recycling - particularly copper wire - making it more difficult to sell stolen scrap metal wire.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL The Province of British Columbia recognizes that this is an important issue for a number of municipalities and is currently working with the police and stakeholders to examine opportunities for both legislative and non-legislative solutions.