Bell has reported a notable increase in incidents of copper wire theft within its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to disruptions in phone and internet services. The company has documented 993 cases of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, marking a 78% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, representing approximately 85% of the overall increase.
Specifically, regions such as Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton in Ontario experienced a high number of thefts, while New Brunswick saw a substantial surge of 235% in thefts compared to the previous year. Thieves typically target copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles, often operating under the cover of darkness or in rural areas with limited surveillance.
The escalating demand for copper, driven by factors like the expansion of data centers and the production of electric vehicles, has made the metal increasingly valuable. This surge in value has led to a rise in thefts, as copper fetches a significant price in the recycling market. Despite this, Bell emphasizes that the monetary value of the stolen metal pales in comparison to the disruption and harm caused by these thefts.
To combat this issue, Bell has implemented measures such as enhanced surveillance, alarm systems linked to law enforcement, and legal action against alleged thieves. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to deter future thefts. Arrests related to copper theft have increased by 32% in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement efforts.
Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal, notes that the supply of new copper has struggled to meet the growing demand, contributing to the elevated prices of the metal. Dvorkin’s business has seen a steady increase in the volume of copper processed monthly, driven by market dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of collective action involving telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft and safeguard critical networks.
The federal government’s recent justice reform bill now allows judges to consider aggravating factors, such as damage to infrastructure, when sentencing individuals involved in copper theft. This legislative change aims to impose harsher penalties on offenders to deter future criminal activities in this domain.