Copper thieves left southern NB communities without Bell service for weeks

Since Jan. 3, copper theft in Clarendon, New Brunswick, has left residents without Bell service, forcing Allan Speight to drive eight kilometres to a gas station for phone calls. Bell expects service to be restored by early next week. The Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP arrested three individuals in connection with the theft, found with approximately 100 kilograms of copper. Copper thefts have been on the rise, with 14 incidents in southwestern New Brunswick in January alone. The Canadian Telecommunications Association is advocating for stronger regulations on scrap dealers to combat the issue.