Copper theft is on the rise across the country, disrupting networks and putting the safety of the communities they serve at risk. These incidents can lead to significant service disruptions, including for critical services such as 911.
Key Facts
January - June 2026
Data and Trends
Copper Theft Incidents in Canada
The number of copper theft crimes continues to rise year after year. Below is a comparative overview of copper theft incidents since 2023.
Incidents of Copper Theft Hotspots by Province
Some provinces are being hit harder than others. The chart below shows recorded copper theft incidents by province since the beginning of 2026.
How Copper Theft Affects Canadians
When copper cables are stolen or vandalized, customers can experience outages affecting Internet, TV and phone services. In some cases, entire neighbourhoods or communities lose connectivity until repairs are completed.
Service interruptions can disrupt day-to-day operations for businesses that rely on telecommunications services, including payment systems, communications and online operations.
Copper theft can potentially compromise access to 911 and other emergency services, creating serious public safety concerns during emergencies.
Repairs are often complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized crews to replace damaged infrastructure and restore service. Restoration may take hours or even days, depending on the extent of the damage.
What is Bell doing to prevent and address these incidents?
Bell has implemented a multi-pronged approach to help protect its network, including:
- Deploying alarms connected to law enforcement.
- Increasing surveillance and on-the-ground monitoring.
- Working closely with police services and investigators.
- Pursuing legal action against offenders.
- Transitioning network infrastructure to fibre where possible to reduce exposure to copper theft.
Resources
FAQ
Copper is targeted because it remains a valuable commodity that can be easily and quickly resold through scrap metal markets. Rising copper prices — which have tripled over the past decade — have made telecommunications infrastructure an increasingly attractive target for criminals, while continued demand for scrap metal helps fuel the resale market. Although the financial return for offenders may be relatively small, the consequences can be significant, disrupting critical telecommunications infrastructure, affecting connectivity for entire communities, and potentially compromising access to emergency services.
Customers may experience outages affecting Internet, TV and phone services. These disruptions can last for extended periods while repairs are completed. In the most serious cases, access to emergency services such as 911 may be impacted. Communities, businesses, healthcare providers and other essential services can also be affected.
Yes. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate copper theft incidents, and arrests have increased compared to the same period last year.
Bell is also pursuing legal remedies against offenders. In Quebec, Bell has successfully pursued legal action related to copper theft, reinforcing accountability and supporting efforts to deter future incidents.
What to Do If You Witness Copper Theft
Do not approach or confront individuals involved. Your safety should always come first.
Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate threat to public safety or if the theft is actively taking place.
Report suspicious activity to local police, even if you are unsure whether a theft has occurred.
If it is safe to do so, note details such as the location, time, vehicle description or licence plate number and share this information with authorities.
Never enter restricted areas or attempt to investigate on your own.
If you have any information related to copper theft, please submit a tip anonymously and confidentially to your local Crime Stoppers program by calling 1-800-222-TIPS. You can also leave a secure webtip on the program's website. To find your local program, visit canadiancrimestoppers.org.Copper theft can disrupt critical communications infrastructure and potentially affect access to emergency services. Prompt reporting can help authorities respond quickly and prevent further impacts on the community.