Bell has reported a significant increase in copper wire theft incidents affecting its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to potential 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, areas such as 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 during nighttime or in rural locations with limited surveillance.
The escalating demand for copper, fueled by the expansion of data centers and electric vehicle manufacturing, has driven up its value. Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, highlighted that the supply of new copper has not kept pace with demand, resulting in elevated prices. Despite the monetary incentive, Bell emphasized that the value of the metal is insignificant compared to the disruptions caused by thefts.
Copper wire thefts can lead to service outages impacting phone, internet, and TV services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and public safety. Bell’s executive vice-president and chief technology officer, Mark McDonald, stressed the need for collaborative efforts among telecommunications providers, governments, law enforcement, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft effectively.
To deter theft incidents, Bell has implemented measures such as enhanced alarm systems linked to law enforcement, heightened ground surveillance, and legal actions against suspected thieves. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to mitigate the impact of thefts. The company has observed a 32% increase in arrests in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement initiatives.
The federal government’s justice reform bill, which recently took effect, grants judges the authority to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing individuals involved in crimes such as copper theft. This legislative change aims to impose harsher penalties on offenders to safeguard critical infrastructure and deter future thefts.