Every North Carolinian expects that when they pick up the phone, connect to the internet, or call 911, the network will be there when they need it. Increasingly, however, criminal acts are putting that reliability at risk. 

Across our state, copper theft is disrupting communications services, impacting local businesses, creating public safety concerns and leaving communities to deal with the consequences.

The impact is real and it is happening here in North Carolina.

At AT&T, we have experienced more than 215 copper theft incidents in North Carolina so far this year, after more than 630 incidents in the state in 2025. Together, these crimes have resulted in more than $540,000 in costs in North Carolina.

In Buncombe County, an investigation into AT&T wire thefts led to charges against five individuals after authorities said the thefts caused widespread service outages in multiple communities. Investigators discovered burn sites, wire-stripping operations, and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen cable. 

In Pitt County, two individuals were charged after allegedly posing as contractors and stealing approximately $25,000 worth of copper from an AT&T cell tower site. 

And more recently, three individuals disguised as AT&T workers stole $10,000 of copper wire from telephone poles in northwest Charlotte.

These incidents highlight the increasingly sophisticated methods being used by criminals targeting communications infrastructure. They also underscore a troubling reality: copper theft is no longer an isolated nuisance. It has become a growing threat to the communications infrastructure that North Carolina families, businesses, and first responders rely on every day.

The consequences extend far beyond the value of the stolen metal.

Copper theft impacts everyone. When copper is stolen, entire neighborhoods can lose access to communications services. Businesses may be unable to process transactions, communicate with customers, or operate efficiently. Residents can find themselves without reliable phone or internet service. In some cases, the damage can affect critical communications that support public safety and emergency response. What thieves often leave behind is not just missing wire, but extensive damage that takes time and resources to repair.

At AT&T, we are committed to doing our part to prevent copper theft. Our technicians work every day to repair damaged lines, replace stolen cable and restore service as quickly and safely as possible. We continue to coordinate with law enforcement, support investigative efforts and invest in security measures designed to deter future thefts and protect critical infrastructure.

We regularly review accessibility to infrastructure and take steps to secure. This includes:

• Securing entry points 
• Implementing metal casings to protect wires 
• Locking and welding manhole lids  

We are also helping customers transition to more resilient technologies where appropriate. Modern communications networks like fiber are less vulnerable to theft and better equipped to meet the growing connectivity needs of North Carolina communities.

Addressing copper theft requires strong collaboration and coordination among law enforcement, state policymakers, businesses and residents. We appreciate the dedication of local police departments, sheriff’s offices, prosecutors and community leaders who work every day to hold offenders accountable and protect critical infrastructure. Their efforts are making a difference.

But protecting that connectivity is a responsibility we all share.

If you see suspicious activity around utility poles, communications equipment, or network facilities, please contact local law enforcement. Tips can also be reported to AT&T Global Security at (800) 807-4205. 

By working together, we can help deter copper theft, safeguard critical infrastructure and keep North Carolina connected.