Bell has reported a notable increase in incidents of copper wire theft within its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to potential disruptions in phone and internet services. The company documented 993 cases of copper theft and vandalism from January to June, marking a 78% rise 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 increase.
Specifically 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. Thieves typically target copper wire from telecommunication poles, often operating at night or in remote areas to evade detection.
The escalating demand for copper, fueled by the expansion of data centers and electric vehicle production, has driven up the value of the metal. Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal, noted the growing disparity between demand and mining output, resulting in elevated copper prices. Despite the financial incentives for thieves, Bell emphasized that the value of the stolen metal pales in comparison to the damage caused by service outages.
To combat these thefts, Bell has implemented various preventive measures, such as enhanced surveillance, alarm systems linked to law enforcement, and legal actions against alleged perpetrators. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to deter future thefts. The authorities have also intensified enforcement efforts, leading to a 32% increase in arrests related to copper theft in the first half of the year.
In response to the escalating issue, Bell stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement agencies, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft effectively and safeguard critical networks. The federal government has introduced a justice reform bill enabling judges to consider aggravating factors, including infrastructure damage, in sentencing individuals involved in copper theft.
