Key Takeaways
- 4 break-ins between January 2025 and February 2026 hit two telecommunications tower sites and two homes under construction,with copper stripped at each site.
- Brochu is wanted on warrants for four counts of break and enter with intent and one count of breach of probation
- EPS has taken about 424 copper-wire theft reports and made 40 arrests so far in 2026; anyone who sees Brochu should not approach him and should call 780-423-4567 or #377.
Four Break-Ins. Copper Wire Stolen. More Than $80,000 in Damage.
Edmonton police are asking for the public's help to find a man they say is behind a string of copper wire thefts — four break-ins, with more than $80,000 in damage and stolen property.
Between January 2025 and February 2026, police investigated four copper-theft incidents.
Two of the break-ins were at telecommunications tower sites, where thieves stole copper wire and damaged critical infrastructure.
The other two were at homes under construction, where copper wiring was stripped from the property.
The Man Police Are Looking For
Chad Brochu, 43, is wanted on warrants for:
- Four counts of break and enter with intent to commit an offence
- One count of breach of probation
The charges have not been proven in court.
Police describe Brochu as 6'3" tall, weighing 170 lbs, with a medium build, brown hair, and brown eyes. He is known to wear glasses.
Police are asking anyone who sees him not to approach him. Instead, contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567, or #377 from a mobile phone.
This Is Part of a Much Bigger Problem
This case is just one file in a much larger stack.
So far this year, the Edmonton Police Service has received approximately 424 reports of copper-wire theft and has made 40 arrests connected to the crime.
Copper may seem like a small, hidden material, but it powers phones, internet connections, and homes. When it is stolen, the damage is often far greater than the value of the metal itself.
The Twikup Take
Four break-ins. More than $80,000 in losses. And 424 copper-theft reports across Edmonton this year. The real story isn't just what's being stolen — it's what's being damaged along the way.
Image: Chad Brochu, photo supplied by the Edmonton Police Service via its news release.