Tracking device in copper wire leads to arrests after northwest Calgary theft

Calgary police say copper wire continues to be a target for thieves in the city and it dedicates a significant amount of resources to prevent these offences. (Pexels/Nic Wood)

Calgary police have charged two men with theft and mischief to property following an investigation into copper wire theft from northwest Calgary.

On Nov. 4, a private security company monitoring a new home construction site in the 200 block of Lucas Gate N.W. alerted police after CCTV footage showed two people removing copper wiring from the home.

There was a tracking device attached to the wire, which led police to a residence in the 200 block of Rangeview Way S.E.

During the investigation, police noticed a large roll of copper wire in the back seat of the vehicle.

Police arrested Sheldon LeDrew, 35, and Noah Shawn Joshua Lloyd, 26, and have each been charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of mischief to property under $5,000.

They will appear in court on Monday, January 5, 2026.

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“This case demonstrates how proactive crime prevention measures can make all the difference in an investigation,” said District 8 Insp. Darry Midtdal in a news release.

“Because the security company acted quickly and used electronic monitoring technology, we were able to locate and apprehend the suspects within a few hours. Construction sites remain attractive targets for thieves, and while we dedicate significant resources to investigate and prevent these offences, we rely on the public to be active partners in preventing these crimes of opportunity.”

Police urge construction site employees or contractors to secure their site and property by using several safeguards including; keeping the area locked, keeping lights on and using alarms and video monitoring equipment.

They also ask anyone with information about break-and-enter and theft-related incidents at construction sites to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously through any of the following methods:

• TALK: 1-800-222-8477
• TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
• APP: P3 Tips