Bell says it has seen a surge in copper wire thefts across its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, which can compromise phone calls made to 911 and critical internet service.
Stolen for resale value, but theft can compromise calls made to 911
CBC News
· Posted: Jul 29, 2026 10:29 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago
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Examples of network cables that have been targeted by thieves for the copper wire are displayed at a news conference in Fresno, Calif., on May 2, 2012. Bell says copper wire thefts on its infrastructure have surged by 78 per cent this year. (John Walker/The Associated Press)
Bell says it has seen a surge in copper wire thefts across its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, which can disrupt phone and internet services.
The telecommunications company says it has recorded 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism between January and June — a 78 per cent increase compared to the same time frame last year.
The bulk of the thefts took place in Ontario and New Brunswick according to Bell, with thefts in those provinces accounting for about 85 per cent of the increased thefts.
Hamilton,
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