Bell reported a significant rise in incidents of copper wire theft within its telecommunications network 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 thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, accounting for roughly 85% of the total increase.
In Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton experienced the highest number of thefts, while New Brunswick witnessed a notable 235% spike in thefts from the previous year. Thieves typically target copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles during nighttime or in remote areas with fewer observers, as the recycled metal holds significant value due to increased demand driven by global electrification trends.
Gary Dvorkin, the proprietor of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, highlighted the imbalance between copper demand and mining output, resulting in elevated metal prices. Bell emphasized that despite the monetary value, the harm caused by these thefts is substantial, leading to service outages that impact phone, internet, and TV services, potentially endangering public safety.
Bell emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft effectively. The company has implemented various preventive measures, such as enhanced alarm systems, increased surveillance, legal actions against offenders, and transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables. Arrests related to copper theft have increased by 32% in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement initiatives.
To deter such crimes, the federal government has introduced justice reforms allowing judges to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing offenders involved in copper theft.