Copper Thefts on Bell’s Network Surge 78% at the Mid-Year Mark
July 30, 2026
Copper theft continues to rise across Canada, with serious consequences for communities and the critical services they rely on. In the first half of 2026, Bell has seen a surge in theft and vandalism targeting telecommunications infrastructure, causing service outages that can disrupt Internet, TV and phone services — and, most importantly, can potentially compromise access to 911 and other emergency services.
Between January and June 2026, Bell recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism across Canada, representing a 78% increase over the same period in 2025. Arrests have also risen by 32%, a positive step that reflects ongoing enforcement efforts, though continued action is needed to address the scale of the problem.
In many cases, the resale value of stolen copper is minimal compared to the harm caused. A small amount of metal can result in major service disruptions, costly and complex repairs, and potential risks to public safety by affecting access to 911 and emergency services.
“Copper theft is a criminal act that targets critical infrastructure and leads to service outages that can endanger public safety, particularly by disrupting access to emergency services. No single organization can stop copper theft alone. It will take coordinated action from telecommunications providers, governments, law enforcement, recyclers and communities to hold criminals accountable and protect the networks Canadians depend on.” – Mark McDonald, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, Bell
