Bell has reported a significant increase in thefts of copper wire from its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, causing disruptions to phone and internet services. The company has documented 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, marking a 78% rise compared to the same period last year. The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, representing about 85% of the total increase.
In Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton experienced the highest number of thefts, while in New Brunswick, the issue escalated rapidly, with a 235% surge in thefts from the previous year. Copper wire is typically targeted by thieves, who extract it from telephone and telecommunication poles, often operating at night or in rural areas to avoid detection.
The demand for copper has soared due to increased electrification globally, driven by the expansion of data centers and the production of electric vehicles. This surge in demand has led to a rise in copper prices, as noted by Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ont. Dvorkin mentioned that the mining of new copper has not kept pace with demand, resulting in elevated metal prices.
Despite the financial incentive for thieves, Bell emphasized that the value of the stolen metal is minimal compared to the disruptions it causes. Copper theft can lead to service outages, affecting phone, internet, and TV services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and public safety.
To combat these thefts, Bell has implemented measures such as enhanced alarm systems linked to law enforcement, increased ground surveillance, and legal actions against alleged thieves. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables. The number of arrests related to copper theft has increased by 32% in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement efforts.
Bell emphasized the need for collaborative action involving telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft effectively. The federal government’s recent justice reform bill grants judges the authority to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing individuals involved in crimes such as copper theft.
