A man has been arrested after police allege he repeatedly stole copper from telephone lines in Milton and Halton Hills, causing significant damage and service outages for residents.
Halton Regional Police say officers have received numerous reports of copper thefts since the beginning of 2026.
Investigators allege the suspect cut down telephone lines and removed copper cable from utility poles before selling it to scrapyards for cash.
On June 6, officers responded to a fire near Eighth Line and Fifth Side Road in Milton.
Police say they found a suspect burning insulation off stolen copper cable to prepare it for sale. The suspect allegedly fled the scene before officers could arrest him.
Police arrested Stewart Winney, 41, of Milton, days later on June 9.
He is charged with mischief under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, two counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime, theft over $5,000 and failing to comply with a release order.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Winney was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and officers are working to identify additional suspects.
