Project Penny Copper Theft Investigation

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested three people and are searching for a fourth suspect following an investigation into area copper thefts.

In 2025 the HRPS experienced over 40 incidents of copper wire theft across the 1 District communities of Milton and Halton Hills. These thefts involved the suspects cutting down telecommunication cable lines, salvaging the copper and then selling it for profit. In response to these thefts, in early January of 2026, members of the 1 District Project Team (1DPT) consolidated investigative information and continued an investigation into a network of individuals suspected to be involved in these crimes.

Utilizing a variety of investigative techniques and several crime stoppers tips, paired with diligent front line police work, investigators were able to confirm the identities of multiple suspects who were involved in the theft and sale of stolen copper wire.

On January 30, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m. officers responded to a report of copper wire theft in the area of Canyon Road and Campbell Avenue, Milton, where two suspects were arrested and charged.

On January 31, 2026, 1DPT executed Criminal Code search warrants on two vehicles and two residences (Guelph and Erin) where several items of evidentiary value were seized, including tools, copper wire, and electronic devices. During the execution of the search warrants a third suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation:

Brendan Boyd (36), of Guelph, was arrested (January 30) and charged with the following:

•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Under $5000 (2 Counts)
•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking (2 Counts)
•          Fail to Comply with Undertaking (3 Counts)
•          Theft Under $5000
•          Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance - Methamphetamines

Benjamin Moffatt (43), of Guelph, was arrested (January 30) and charged with the following:

•          Theft Under $5000

Dawna Mitchell (36), of Erin, was arrested (January 31) and charged with the following:

•         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Under $5000 (2 Counts)
•         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking (2 Counts)
•         Fail to Comply with Release Order

All were held in custody pending their respective bail hearings in Milton.

Investigators are continuing to search for a fourth suspect who has been identified as Christopher Lennon (29), of Halton Hills, who is wanted for the following offences in relation to this investigation:

•         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Under $5000
•         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime - Trafficking

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" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca