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AT&T Doubles Down on Efforts to Combat Copper Theft, Connect Californians
AT&T Doubles Down on Efforts to Combat Copper Theft, Connect Californians
The scourge of copper theft incidences is inhibiting connectivity and access for thousands of Californians, especially in the Los Angeles area. Copper theft has become a serious public safety and connectivity threat across the state.
- Compiled reporting from local media outlets and public data shows that tens of thousands of copper theft related incidents have shut down streetlights, traffic systems, and communications infrastructure year after year, with steep increases since 2023 and continued growth through late 2025.
- Entire neighborhoods are routinely left in the dark, emergency communications are disrupted, and repairs are increasingly complex and time consuming.
- The financial toll on public agencies, communications industry, transportation and utilities now reaches tens of millions of dollars annually—exceeding $100 million cumulatively—diverting scarce resources away from network modernization, public safety priorities, and efforts to close the digital divide.
- As the telecommunications industry, local communities and small businesses navigate this growing crisis, AT&T is continuing to implement actions to curb copper theft in the short term while modernizing our communications network over the long term to reduce copper theft impacts.
- Through a series of coordinated efforts, we’re protecting critical communications infrastructure, supporting stronger enforcement and building resiliency.
Copper Theft Reward Program Renewed
As part of our ongoing coordination to support law enforcement investigations of copper theft crime, AT&T recently renewed our statewide Copper Theft Reward Program through February 1, 2027.
- We’re continuing to offer rewards of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in stealing, purchasing, or selling stolen copper wire in California.
- The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity, such as unmarked (non-AT&T) vehicles or individuals cutting and removing cables.
- Tips can be reported to local law enforcement or AT&T Global Security at 800-807‐4205. AT&T’s reward offer is valid for leads received through February 1, 2027. Reward payments are contingent upon arrest and conviction.
Some Highlights from 2025:
- $15,000 disbursed across two cases to recognize individuals whose information contributed to the prosecution of two suspects.
- More than 50 tips processed by AT&T Global Security, with several of those under active investigation.
- Coordination with the California Department of Justice, other carriers, utilities and various local law enforcement agencies to investigate tips.
“California continues to lead the nation in copper theft, and the consequences of this crime extend far beyond financial loss. It threatens public safety, leaves our communities in the dark, interrupts critical communication and infrastructure services and drives up costs for residents and businesses,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert G. Luna.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is combatting copper and metal theft through a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. This includes targeted enforcement actions to identify and arrest those responsible, regular inspections of recycling centers to ensure stolen materials are not being purchased, and strong partnerships focused on prevention,” Luna added. “By working closely with businesses and telecommunication companies, the Department is also helping to educate stakeholders on effective strategies to deter theft and protect infrastructure.”
“Addressing this important issue requires a unified and sustained effort with our partners at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement agencies, County Board of Supervisors, lawmakers, businesses, and our community.”
AT&T and Alco Iron & Metal Reach Collaborative Settlement
In February, AT&T and Alco Iron & Metal Company, a Northern California metal recycler, finalized a joint agreement reflecting a shared commitment to addressing copper theft and protecting critical communications infrastructure across California.
- Under the agreement, Alco has implemented enhanced purchasing safeguards, including prohibiting the acceptance of telecommunication copper cables and reinforcement of employee training, to help prevent stolen materials from entering the recycling stream.
- AT&T appreciates Alco for stepping forward and working cooperatively to help address the copper theft crisis, and both organizations view this agreement as an ongoing, collaborative effort focused on prevention, accountability, and continued coordination.
- This partnership is part of AT&T’s broader, multi‑pronged strategy to deter copper theft through collaboration with recyclers, law enforcement, policymakers, and other stakeholders to help safeguard public safety and connectivity statewide.
New Legislation Introduced to Prohibit Organized Metal Theft
AT&T has put our support behind a recently introduced bill – Assembly Bill 1941 (AB 1941) from Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez – to address the growing and increasingly organized nature of metal theft in California.
Why it matters: As copper theft has surged statewide – impacted by large-scale coordinated criminal networks targeting telecommunications infrastructure – AB 1941 takes an important step by clearly defining organized metal theft and establishing appropriate penalties for those who direct these activities.
- By focusing on the broader criminal enterprises behind these crimes, the bill strengthens enforcement efforts and helps deter large-scale organized theft that causes widespread service outages and economic harm across the state.
AT&T Supports Supervisor Barger’s Motion on Copper Theft in LA County
On March 17, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to address this critical issue – an encouraging step forward for our community and industry partners.
- As a result of this decision, the Sheriff, District Attorney, and several County departments will be joining forces with industry stakeholders to comprehensively study the impact of copper theft across LA County and provide actionable recommendations to the Board within 90 days.
- The strides made in addressing copper theft are a testament to the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by our organization. Our team has worked diligently and collaboratively, ensuring that we remain a proactive partner in efforts to combat this critical issue.
- We communicated our unwavering commitment to this cause directly to Supervisor Barger, who, in acknowledgment, highlighted AT&T’s leadership role in addressing copper theft challenges throughout Los Angeles County.
This milestone highlights the power of collaborative advocacy and our ongoing resolve to help protect critical infrastructure in the communities we serve.
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