Copper wire thefts continue to be a ‘growing concern’ across North Carolina
Copper | 2026-07-21 00:19:28
AT&T uses copper wire infrastructure along with fiber to offer its services. Rabon said thieves often don’t know the difference between copper and fiber lines on utility poles, and will cut both.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Copper is used in a lot of things you use every day: your electronics, your vehicle, even your roof. It’s valuable, which is why it’s a prized target for thieves.
“As the price for copper commodities is driven up, the demand for copper has increased,” said AT&T North Carolina President Trey Rabon. “It’s made a strong case for thieves or would-be thieves to steal it and sell it.”
AT&T uses copper wire infrastructure along with fiber to offer its services. Rabon said thieves often don’t know the difference between copper and fiber lines on utility poles, and will cut both.
“If you cut a copper cable, you may disconnect 100 customers, one public safety office,” Rabon said. “If you cut a fiber cable, you may disconnect hundreds of customers. You could disconnect a public safety answering point, a main 911 office.”
The Wilmington Police Department said they alone have had eight copper wire-related thefts so far this year. The most recent theft in the Cape Fear region happened just last month in Riegelwood.
Rabon said AT&T has seen more than 215 incidents statewide this year and calls it a growing problem.
“Copper thieves will get thousands of dollars for just a typical strand they cut and melted down,” Rabon said.
Wilmington police said another trend they’re seeing is commercial HVAC units being stolen, not for their intended use, but because some contain copper inside.
According to police, if the property damage from getting the metal, whether from an AC unit, a utility pole or something else, exceeds $1,000 and you’re caught, you could be facing felony charges.
“We’ll partner with law enforcement and district attorneys to prosecute to the full extent to discourage that behavior,” Rabon said.
Rabon said he also hopes public awareness will help cut down on these thefts.
Officials say if you see anything suspicious around utility poles or witness copper wire theft, report it to local law enforcement.
Courtesy: www.wect.com
