Rise in Copper Thefts in the US in 2025: Threat to Communications and New Legislation
In 2025, over 10,000 copper thefts were recorded across the United States, causing losses exceeding $82 million. Telecommunications operator AT&T reported roughly 200 incidents weekly nationwide, significantly impacting infrastructure and consumers.
The hardest hit was California, with 7,300 thefts resulting in more than $54 million in damages. In Southern California, copper stolen from cable vaults disrupted communication services for thousands of residents, highlighting the severe threat such crimes pose to public utilities.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed a law requiring pawnshops to verify sellers’ legitimacy and prohibiting the storage of scrap metal without proper documentation. This measure aims to complicate the sale of stolen copper and reduce related offenses.
AT&T is a leading US telecommunications company providing mobile and fixed-line services to millions of customers. Their weekly reporting of hundreds of copper theft incidents underscores the scale of the issue facing the telecom industry.
Therefore, the surge in copper thefts in the US seriously affects communication infrastructure and public safety, prompting legislative tightening to counteract these crimes. Addressing the problem requires a systemic approach and ongoing oversight.
It is expected that further enforcement of scrap metal regulations and increased protection of infrastructure sites will help reduce thefts and minimize financial losses.
