Neighbours speak out after dozens of copper signs stolen from Calgary community

Getting where you're going in Canyon Meadows is more difficult after thieves stole dozens of address signs in the southwest neighbourhood.

Finding an address in Canyon Meadows has become a difficult task in some parts of the southwest Calgary neighbourhood after thieves stole dozens of copper-based signs.

Calgary police received eight reported cases of stolen neighbourhood address signs within that area for the month of February alone.

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The signs are made of brass but consist of about 80 per cent copper, which investigators say is one of the highest-priced precious metals typically targeted for its retail value.

“It’s quite disheartening to have this happen right on your doorstep,” said Richard Everett.

The long-time resident in the 100 block of Canterbury Court S.W. captured thieves stealing his neighbours’ signs on his doorbell camera around 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 18.

“In the video, there’s a black SUV driving up that stops, and then there’s a young man bending over and trying to take signs right off the pillar in front of the house. He really had to heave it across because the signs are heavy, but then he puts it in the back of the car and they just nonchalantly drive away,” Everett said.

Everett had already taken his copper sign off the front of his house because of prior thefts in the area, but several dozen of his neighbours weren’t as lucky.

Lisa Weal recently moved into the area but says thieves used a crowbar to take off her address sign and that they had vandalized several other pillars in homes adjacent to hers.

“We were pretty disappointed because two days before we actually took possession of the house, a few of them got stolen and ours was one of them,” said Weal.

“I was told this was a really safe neighbourhood, but it’s left a bad taste in my mouth. The state of society is hard, I guess; people are struggling and finding it hard to live out there, but it’s sad to see someone stoop so low.”

The thefts have become so common in other parts of the neighbourhood, including the area of Canyon Creek, where residents have had to make new signs out of plastic or even cardboard in some desperate circumstances just so delivery trucks can find their home.

Tanya Du Plessis says it took about a month to get a replacement sign made out of plastic.

“We were looking forward to having obviously a nice property here, but sadly some people just decided to take it upon themselves to take that away,” she said.

“People have this mentality that they can just take it, but they’re not realizing the impact on the neighbourhood, not feeling safe in our homes and constantly being on guard or watching for things because it doesn’t take them very long to come and steal them.”

Police to increase patrols

Calgary police have not been able to identify any suspects or make any arrests in relation to the recent theft of copper-based signs in Canyon Meadows.

In the meantime, CPS confirmed to CTV News that officer patrols in the area at night will increase in an effort to deter thieves.

The following preventative tips for residents were also provided:

• Install surveillance: CCTV and doorbell cam footage is often valuable for investigators and can greatly increase the likelihood of suspects being identified and located.
• Motion-sensor lights: These lights can startle and deter thieves when they approach your property.
• Engage with neighbours: Speak with your neighbours and agree to keep a lookout for each other and report suspicious activity. Having a community looking out for each other can help prevent theft.
• Report it: Report all thefts to the police. This can be done online.