WARNING: Copper Theft Is Surging Right Now In Texas

We all rely on copper wire whether you realize it or not. Copper wiring delivers electricity to your home and business as well as some internet services. Without it, we have no power or internet.

Fort Worth is experiencing huge issues of entire neighborhoods going without power or internet service due to some low-life scum. The thieves tied a rope or chain onto a stretch of cable and ripped it down from the utility pole. Dragging it behind them as they drove away. A security camera captured this on December 15th.

Why is copper in demand?

Copper is a base metal that conducts electrical signals well. When stripped of its plastic covering, copper can fetch a high price at the scrap yard. It currently sells for nearly $5 a pound (Google). Some AT&T wire stolen in the Fort Worth area can fetch as much as $20 per foot of cable.

Thieves stealing the wire will disrupt essential services, medical devices, business operations, internet service, and other things that people rely on every day.

Get our free mobile app

Which Texas city is seeing a spike in copper theft?

While copper theft is happening around the Lone Star State, the city of Fort Worth has recently experienced a more than 500% increase in the number of reported copper thefts in the past two years. (WFAA) The thefts are severely hurting AT&T and its services in a portion of the city.

Thefts are costing companies and their customers millions of dollars each year because it all has to be replaced.

The City Of Fort Worth has established a special task force to try to combat this theft and has added more detectives to their special Metal Theft Unit.

Legislation is being introduced in the state capital that looks to address this issue. According to reports from NBCDFW, the proposed state legislation

includes the introduction of new laws to strengthen legal frameworks, the implementation of stricter regulations to govern the metal recycling industry, and the establishment of more severe penalties for individuals who are repeat offenders.'

If you notice any suspicious activity around utility poles in your neighborhood, you're encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report the suspicious activity. Those up on utility poles are often accompanied by marked utility trucks.