Bell has reported a significant increase in incidents of copper wire thefts affecting its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to disruptions in phone and internet services. The company documented 993 cases of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, marking a 78% rise compared to the same period last year.
Most of the thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, with these provinces collectively contributing to 85% of the overall surge in thefts. Specifically, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton witnessed the highest number of thefts in Ontario, while New Brunswick experienced a notable 235% spike in thefts compared to the previous year.
According to David Joice, Bell’s director of national network operations, thieves typically target copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles, often operating during nighttime or in rural areas with limited surveillance. The demand for copper has soared due to the increasing electrification of the world, driven by the development of data centers and electric vehicles, making the metal more valuable.
Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, mentioned that the supply of new copper has not kept pace with the rising demand, leading to elevated metal prices. He noted a steady increase in the volume of copper processed by his business, emphasizing that higher prices attract more copper sellers.
Despite the financial incentives, Bell emphasized that the value of the stolen metal is insignificant compared to the disruptions and risks caused by wire thefts. Such thefts can result in service outages affecting phone, internet, and TV services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and public safety.
In response to the escalating thefts, Bell has implemented various measures to combat the issue, including enhanced alarm systems linked to law enforcement, heightened ground surveillance, and legal actions against alleged perpetrators. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to more secure fiber-optic cables to deter future thefts.
Bell highlighted a 32% increase in arrests during the first half of the year, reflecting continued law enforcement efforts. The federal government has also introduced measures to impose harsher penalties on copper thieves damaging critical infrastructure, empowering judges to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing offenders.