Brantford police arrested a 30-year-old man Tuesday afternoon after officers say he was caught cutting copper lines on the roof of a church on West Street.
Police were called at approximately 12:57 p.m. on December 9, 2025, after church staff reported seeing a suspicious man accessing the rooftop near the air-conditioning units.
When officers arrived, they located a suspect crouched behind large AC units inside a black wire-caged enclosure. According to police, the padlock securing the area had been cut and pried open.
Investigators say the man was actively cutting copper lines connected to the building’s air-conditioning system. Bolt cutters believed to have been used in the attempt were recovered at the scene.
The Brantford resident was arrested without incident.
He is charged with mischief over $5,000 and possession of break-in instruments. He was released on a Form 10 undertaking.
Police acknowledged the quick action of church staff, stating it allowed officers to respond promptly and limit further damage to the property.
