What appeared to be a minor copper theft has resulted in a massive environmental cleanup that could ultimately cost approximately $400,000, according to Lakefront Utilities.
Michael Desroches, P.Eng, Utility Executive at Lakefront Utilities, said the utility has experienced numerous break-ins at its Ontario Street storage facility in Cobourg, but a recent incident is among the most costly.
The break-in was discovered on April 27, 2026 by Lakefront crews.
Suspect(s) cut a hole through the north-side fence of the utility’s pole yard on Ontario Street.
Once inside, the thieves pried open three electrical transformers to steal less than $400 worth of copper.
In the process, the transformers—each weighing up to 1,500 pounds—were tipped over, spilling approximately 400 litres of hydraulic oil onto the property and into a nearby creek.
“We had to remediate the area, which has taken us approximately two-and-a-half months,” said Desroches.
The cleanup has involved the Ministry of Environment, the Town of Cobourg and CN Rail, which owns the property where the affected creek is located.
Immediately following the spill, as many as six vacuum trucks worked at the site for more than a week. The remediation has also required extensive environmental testing and the removal of more than 25,000 litres of water and 500 tons (1,000,000 pounds of contaminated soil.
Desroches said the environmental cleanup and damage repairs are expected to total about $400,000.
One of the worries, is the utility could also see insurance costs rise because of repeated break-ins.
“So far this year, because of break-ins, ratepayers will have to pay approximately $100,000 in insurance premiums,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the ratepayers are going to be paying a big chunk of this.”
Because of the repeated thefts, the damaged transformers have been removed from the pole yard and relocated to a temporary, more secure location while Lakefront Utilities searches for a permanent solution.
Despite perimeter fencing and security cameras, Desroches said the facility continues to be targeted.
“We constantly get break-ins to our yards.”
He added that while security measures are in place, determined thieves have found ways to bypass them.
“It’s no secret that a tool from Home Depot can get through almost any security fence.”
The thefts have continued even during the environmental cleanup.
Desroches said by May 7th, three more break-ins occurred in Lakefront sites and since then, three more have occurred. On June 25th, one of the contractors trucks were broken into and completely stripped of tools.
Repairs for one of the break-ins will cost approximately $8,000.
A small amount of copper was once again taken.
“We need to find a way to get on top of this.”
“When police responded to the latest break-in, officers photographed the scene and when asked if the police took fingerprints, Desroches said he did not believe so.”
A walkie-talkie was recently recovered following another break-in at the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum, located just a few blocks from the Lakefront Utilities yard. It is unknown whether the incidents are connected.
“As well, they are getting close to our live 44kV transformer system — our safety rules do not allow untrained people within the fence area without being escorted by someone qualified. There may be a time when they make a mistake, and we will have injuries if not something worse — electricity is not forgiving and happens faster than anyone can react.”
With each transformer weighing approximately 1,500 pounds, Desroches believes more than one person was involved in the theft.
“It’s a shame that all of Cobourg has to pay through their utility rates going forward for the damage they created for such a small amount of copper they were trying to steal.”
Given the minimal dollar amount of the theft, Desroches said, “we would encourage local scrap metal dealers to be vigilant and not create a marketplace for suspicious materials. When stolen copper can be easily sold, it fuels a cycle of crime that ultimately costs our community and utility customers far more than the value of the metal itself.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information, or who may have dashcam or security footage, is asked to contact the Cobourg Police Service at 905-372-6821. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
