Photo: Halton Police
A Milton man is facing multiple charges following an investigation into a series of copper thefts targeting telecommunications infrastructure in North Halton.
Multiple thefts have been reported since the beginning of 2026, involving telecommunications lines being cut from utility poles and copper cable being stolen before being sold to scrap yards. The thefts caused significant damage, costly repairs, and service disruptions for rural residents.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) launched Project Element in April to investigate the incidents.
On June 6th, officers responded to a fire near Eighth Line and 5 Side Road in Milton, where they located a suspect burning insulation from stolen copper cable in preparation for selling it. The suspect fled the scene at a high rate of speed and initially evaded police.
The suspect was arrested three days later, on June 9th.
As a result of the investigation, 41-year-old Stewart Winney of Milton has been charged with:
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Flight from Police Officer
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime (two counts)
- Theft Over $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Release Order
Winney was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue working to identify additional suspects connected to the thefts.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2416.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
