Copper thefts surge across Bell network, disrupting telecom infrastructure in 2026
Bell says copper wire thefts have surged across its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, creating service disruptions and raising public safety concerns as theft activity concentrates in Ontario and New Brunswick.
What Readers Should Know
- Bell recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism between January and June.
- The total was up 78 per cent from the same period last year.
- Ontario and New Brunswick accounted for about 85 per cent of the increase.
- Hamilton, Niagara and Milton had the most thefts in Ontario.
- New Brunswick saw the fastest growth, with a 235 per cent increase from 2025.
- Bell says thefts can disrupt phone, internet and TV service, including access to emergency services.
The telecommunications company says it recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, a 78 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
The bulk of the thefts took place in Ontario and New Brunswick, according to Bell, with those provinces accounting for about 85 per cent of the increase.
Where thefts are concentrated
Hamilton, Niagara and Milton had the most thefts in Ontario. In New Brunswick, Bell said the problem was growing fastest, with a 235 per cent increase in thefts from 2025.
Thieves usually harvest copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles, according to Bell's director of national network operations, David Joice. They typically do it at night or in rural areas where there are fewer people around to spot them.
They target copper because the recycled metal sells for a good price. It has become more valuable as the world becomes more electrified, with the buildout of data centres and the manufacturing of electric cars helping to lift demand.
Gary Dvorkin, owner and founder of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ont., said mining new copper has not kept up with demand, which has kept prices elevated.
He said his business processes eight to 10 truckloads of copper every month, a number that has increased steadily over the years.
'When prices are up, you get a little more copper coming in,' Dvorkin said. 'If you bring in 100 pounds and you get 700 or 800 dollars, that's a lot of money for most people.'
Why it matters
Bell says the value of the metal is 'minimal compared to the harm caused.'
Wire thefts can cause service outages that disrupt phone, internet and TV service. That means access to emergency services could be cut off, creating a potential public safety risk.
'No single organization can stop copper theft alone,' said Mark McDonald, executive vice-president and chief technology officer at Bell, in a press release.
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What Readers Are Asking
How many copper theft incidents did Bell record?
Bell said it recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism between January and June.
How much did the incidents increase?
The number of incidents rose 78 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Which provinces saw the most thefts?
Ontario and New Brunswick accounted for about 85 per cent of the increase, according to Bell.
Why do thieves target copper?
Bell said copper sells for a good price and has become more valuable as demand rises from electrification, data centres and electric vehicles.
Why is Bell concerned beyond the metal loss?
Bell said thefts can disrupt phone, internet and TV service and may affect access to emergency services.
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Courtesy: www.cbc.ca