Copper wire theft has surged by 78% so far this year, Bell says

Bell says it’s seen a surge in copper wire thefts across its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, which can disrupt phone and internet services.

The telecommunications company says it has recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism between January and June — a 78 per cent increase compared to the same time frame last year.

The bulk of the thefts took place in Ontario and New Brunswick according to Bell, with thefts in those provinces accounting for about 85 per cent of the increased thefts.

Hamilton, Niagara and Milton had the most thefts in Ontario. But in New Brunswick, Bell says the problem was growing fastest, with a 235 per cent increase in thefts from 2025.

Thieves target copper because they can resell the recycled metal for a good price. The metal has become more valuable as the world becomes more electrified — the buildout of data centres and making of electric cars for example have helped up demand.

They’re also able to get their hands on a lot of it because its so widely used, according to a Bell executive, making it easier for thieves to make some cash.

But Bell says the value of the metal is “minimal compared to the harm caused.”

Wire thefts can cause service outages which disrupt phone, internet and TV service. That means access to emergency services could be cut off, posing a potential public safety risk.

“No single organization can stop copper theft alone,” said executive vice president and chief technology officer at Bell, Mark McDonald.

“It will take co-ordinated action from telecommunications providers, governments, law enforcement, recyclers and communities to hold criminals accountable and protect the networks Canadians depend on.”

Bell says it has taken action to prevent thefts, including rigging alarm systems connected to law enforcement, increasing surveillance on the ground and taking legal action against alleged thieves. The company is also in the process of transitioning from copper wire to fibre-optic cables.

Arrests have risen by 32 per cent in the first half of the year as well, according to Bell, which it says reflects “ongoing enforcement efforts.”