Bell Warns Copper Theft Surge Is Cutting 911 and Internet Access

Bell says copper thefts are on the rise across Eastern Canada, with over 500 cases reported so far in 2025—a 23% jump from last year. Since 2022, there have been more than 2,270 incidents, mostly targeting telecom lines it said on Thursday.

So what’s the big deal? Bell says thefts are disrupting phone and internet service, and in some cases, people have been unable to call 911.

The hardest-hit province is Ontario, which accounts for 63% of reported thefts. Hotspot cities include Hamilton, Cambridge, and Windsor.

In New Brunswick, more than 80 copper thefts have been recorded this year, with 75–80% of those happening in the Fredericton and Oromocto area. Specific communities hit include Stanley, Hoyt, Fredericton Junction, and Keswick Ridge.

Quebec ranks third, with most cases clustered in the Saguenay region.

“Copper theft is a serious crime that directly threatens the safety and well-being of Canadians. These thefts are not just about stolen copper; the perpetrators often damage other infrastructure such as fibre cable and the crime can potentially put lives at risk when people can’t call 911 as a result of the damage,” said Mark McDonald, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at Bell Canada.

Bell says copper theft now makes up 88% of all physical security incidents on its network.

To fight back, the company says it’s installing alarms that alert police when equipment is tampered with, adding more security guards and cameras, and speeding up its shift to fibre-optic cables, which are aren’t as valuable to thieves.

Bell is also again pushing provincial and federal governments to toughen penalties and change the Criminal Code to better protect critical infrastructure.

As for the public? They are being asked to watch out for unmarked vehicles near utility poles or the sound of cutting tools, and report anything suspicious to local police.