Bell has reported a significant increase in copper wire theft incidents affecting its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to disruptions in phone and internet services. The company documented 993 cases of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, marking a 78% surge compared to the same period last year. The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, accounting for approximately 85% of the overall rise.
In Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton experienced the highest number of thefts, while in New Brunswick, the issue escalated rapidly, with a 235% spike in thefts from the previous year. Thieves typically target copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles, often operating at night or in remote areas to avoid detection.
The demand for copper has increased due to the global shift towards electrification, driven by developments such as data center expansions and electric vehicle production. Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, noted that the mining of new copper has not kept pace with demand, resulting in elevated prices for the metal.
Despite the financial incentives for thieves, Bell emphasized that the value of the stolen metal is insignificant compared to the disruptions caused by service outages. These incidents can lead to service interruptions for phone, internet, and TV services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and public safety.
To combat copper theft, Bell has implemented various preventive measures, including enhanced alarm systems linked to law enforcement, increased surveillance, and legal actions against suspected perpetrators. The company is also transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to deter thefts in the future.
Efforts to address copper theft have resulted in a 32% increase in arrests in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement endeavors. The federal government has introduced justice reforms allowing judges to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing individuals involved in crimes such as copper theft.
