Bell has reported a significant increase in incidents of copper wire thefts within its telecommunications network in 2026, leading to potential 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 last year. The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, accounting for approximately 85% of the total increase.
In Ontario, areas such as Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton experienced the highest number of thefts, while in New Brunswick, the issue escalated rapidly, showing a 235% surge in thefts from the previous year. David Joice, Bell’s director of national network operations, explained that thieves typically target copper wire from telecommunication poles, often operating at night or in rural regions to avoid detection.
The value of copper has increased due to rising demand driven by the expansion of data centers and electric vehicle production. Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal, highlighted the imbalance between the demand for copper and its mining rate, resulting in elevated metal prices. Bell emphasized that despite the monetary gain for thieves, the consequences of service outages are far more significant.
The theft of copper wires not only disrupts essential services like phone and internet but also poses a public safety risk by potentially cutting off access to emergency services. Bell’s executive vice-president and chief technology officer, Mark McDonald, stressed the need for collaborative efforts among telecommunications providers, law enforcement agencies, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft effectively.
To address the issue, Bell has implemented various preventive measures, such as enhanced alarm systems connected to law enforcement, increased ground surveillance, and legal actions against suspected thieves. The company is also transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables. The number of arrests related to copper theft has increased by 32% in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement initiatives.
Furthermore, the federal government’s justice reform bill now allows judges to consider aggravating factors, including damage to infrastructure, when sentencing individuals involved in crimes like copper theft. This legislative change aims to impose harsher penalties on offenders who disrupt critical infrastructure through theft activities.