Oklahoma sees rise in copper thefts; Here’s why

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Copper thefts are rising across the country and Oklahoma is no exception. The state ranks sixth in copper thefts. In 2026 alone, Oklahoma has seen 300 thefts.

An operation by Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry resulted in the seizure of about 2,400 pounds of stolen copper wire from Oklahoma City-area recycling centers, and 300 pounds in Tulsa.

Why are copper wire thefts on the rise?

Jason Constable, Director of External Affairs for AT&T in Oklahoma, said the rising cost of copper is part of the reason for the increases in thefts.

Copper is in high demand but short in supply, according to AT&T. The material can be used for electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, electrical wiring and more.

Copper can also be infinitely recyclable, so scraps can be resold to metal recyclers for money.

Why is stealing copper dangerous?

Jason said stealing copper can be dangerous because people get the material from dangerous places, and when done wrong, it can knock out service or power for people.

He said many people stealing aren’t able to identify the difference between copper and fiber optics. Emergency services like 911 answering centers use copper services so if the lines they use are damaged, they can’t process calls.

Some even climb up power lines or knock them down to get the copper out of the wires, which can cause electrocution.

How does damaged fiber optic lines impact Oklahomans?

Customers have to go without connection if fiber optic lines are destroyed. AT&T said repair times can vary on the severity of the damage to wires. Also, since the equipment used in copper networks is harder to source, At&T said it is difficult to repair or replace the parts in a timely manner when the copper cables are stolen.

How AT&T is helping fight copper theft

• AT&T Global Security is coordinating with law enforcement and state agencies to target stolen telecommunications wire.

• A May operation with Oklahoma City police and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry led to the seizure of about 2,400 pounds of stolen copper telecom wire from Oklahoma City-area recycling centers.

• A similar operation in Tulsa resulted in the recovery of about 300 pounds of stolen telecom wire.

• AT&T is modernizing its network by moving customers from copper to fiber and wireless services.

• AT&T said it has implemented multiple security measures to protect lines with copper.

AT&T also announced it would give a $10,000 reward for information that leads to arrests and convictions of suspects involved in copper theft.

Courtesy: www.newson6.com