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 documented a total of 993 incidents 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, with these provinces accounting for approximately 85% of the overall increase in theft activity. While Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton experienced the highest number of thefts in Ontario, New Brunswick saw the fastest growth in the issue, with a 235% rise in thefts compared to the previous year.
David Joice, Bell’s director of national network operations, explained that thieves typically target copper wire on telephone and telecommunication poles, often operating at night or in rural areas with limited surveillance. The appeal of copper lies in its market value, which has increased due to rising demand driven by the expansion of data centers and the production of electric vehicles.
According to Gary Dvorkin, owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, the demand for new copper has outpaced mining efforts, leading to elevated prices for the metal. Dvorkin mentioned that his business processes eight to 10 truckloads of copper per month, a figure that has steadily grown over time.
Bell emphasized that the monetary value of the stolen metal is insignificant compared to the detrimental impact caused by these thefts. The company highlighted the consequences of service outages resulting from wire thefts, which can disrupt phone, internet, and TV services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and public safety.
To combat these thefts, Bell has implemented various preventive measures, such as installing alarm systems linked to law enforcement, enhancing ground surveillance, and pursuing legal action against suspected thieves. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to mitigate future theft risks.
The company noted a 32% increase in arrests during the first half of the year, attributing it to continued enforcement efforts. The federal government has also introduced justice reforms allowing judges to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing individuals involved in crimes like copper theft.
Bell emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts involving telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement agencies, recyclers, and communities to combat copper theft effectively and safeguard crucial communication networks.