Bell has reported a significant increase in thefts of copper wire from its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to potential disruptions in phone and internet services. The company has documented 993 instances of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, marking a 78% rise compared to the same period in the previous year.
The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, with these provinces contributing to about 85% of the overall increase. Specifically, Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton were the most affected areas in Ontario, while New Brunswick experienced a staggering 235% surge in thefts compared to 2025.
According to Bell’s director of national network operations, David Joice, thieves typically target copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles, often operating under the cover of night or in rural regions with fewer observers. The demand for copper has escalated due to the increased electrification globally, driven by projects such as data center expansions and electric vehicle production.
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 increased over time.
Although the resale value of copper is lucrative, Bell emphasizes that the harm caused by theft far outweighs its monetary worth. Incidents of wire theft can lead to service outages, disrupting phone, internet, and TV services, thereby posing potential risks to public safety and emergency access.
To combat these thefts, Bell has implemented various preventive measures, such as enhancing surveillance, installing alarm systems linked to law enforcement, and pursuing legal action against suspected thieves. Additionally, the company is transitioning from copper wire to fiber-optic cables to deter future thefts.
Bell has reported a 32% increase in arrests related to copper theft during the first half of the year, indicating ongoing enforcement efforts. The federal government’s recent justice reform bill now allows judges to consider aggravating factors like infrastructure damage when sentencing offenders, including those involved in copper theft.