Bell has reported a significant increase in the theft of copper wire from its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to potential disruptions in phone and internet services. The company disclosed that there were a total of 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism recorded between January and June, marking a substantial 78% surge compared to the same period in the previous year.
The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, accounting for approximately 85% of the overall increase. In Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton were identified as the locations with the highest number of thefts, while in New Brunswick, the issue was escalating rapidly, with a 235% rise in thefts from the prior year.
David Joice, Bell’s director of national network operations, highlighted that thieves typically target copper wire on telephone and telecommunication poles during nighttime or in rural areas with limited surveillance. The appeal of copper lies in its resale value, which has increased due to the growing demand driven by developments like data center expansion and the production of electric vehicles.
According to Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, the supply of new copper has not kept pace with demand, resulting in elevated prices for the metal. Dvorkin mentioned that his business now handles eight to ten truckloads of copper monthly, a figure that has been steadily rising over time.
Bell emphasized that despite the monetary gains from copper theft, the value of the metal pales in comparison to the detrimental effects caused by service outages. Such thefts can disrupt phone, internet, and TV services, potentially cutting off access to emergency services and posing risks to public safety.
In response to the escalating thefts, Bell has implemented various measures to combat the problem, including deploying alarm systems linked to law enforcement, enhancing ground surveillance, and pursuing legal action against alleged perpetrators. The company is also transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables as part of its efforts to deter thefts.
Arrests related to copper theft have increased by 32% in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement endeavors. The federal government’s justice reform bill, which recently came into effect, grants judges the authority to consider aggravating factors such as infrastructure damage when sentencing individuals involved in crimes like copper theft.