Bell has reported a significant increase in copper wire theft incidents within its telecommunications network in 2026, leading to potential disruptions in phone and internet services. The company documented a total of 993 cases of copper theft and vandalism from January to June, marking a 78% surge compared to the same period in the previous year.
The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, with these two provinces contributing to around 85% of the overall rise in thefts. In Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton experienced the highest number of theft incidents, while New Brunswick saw a remarkable 235% spike in thefts compared to 2025.
According to David Joice, Bell’s director of national network operations, thieves typically target copper wire on telephone and telecommunication poles, particularly during nighttime or in rural areas with limited surveillance. The demand for copper has escalated due to increased electrification worldwide, driven by developments such as data center expansions and the production of electric vehicles.
Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, highlighted that the mining of new copper has not kept pace with demand, resulting in elevated metal prices. His business processes eight to ten truckloads of copper monthly, a figure that has steadily risen over time due to the lucrative returns.
Despite the financial incentives, Bell emphasized that the value of the stolen metal is insignificant compared to the disruptions and risks it poses. Copper thefts can lead to service outages, affecting phone, internet, and television services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and public safety.
Bell has taken proactive measures to address the issue, such as implementing alarm systems linked to law enforcement, enhancing ground surveillance, and pursuing legal actions against alleged thieves. The company is also transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to mitigate future theft incidents.
The company noted a 32% increase in arrests during the first half of the year, attributing it to ongoing enforcement initiatives. Additionally, the federal government’s recent justice reform bill grants judges the authority to consider aggravating factors, including infrastructure damage, when sentencing individuals involved in crimes like copper theft.
Collaborative efforts involving telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement agencies, recyclers, and communities are deemed necessary by Bell to combat copper theft effectively and safeguard the integrity of critical communication networks.
