Copper wire theft is surging across California, driven by high copper prices. Thieves target phone lines, streetlamps, and EV chargers, causing costly damage.
AT&T reports over 10,000 incidents, with 7,000 in California. State officials are tightening regulations and enforcement.
- Copper prices have doubled in the past year, fueling theft. - AT&T recorded over 10,400 incidents of copper wire theft nationwide last year.
- Thieves often cut fiber optic cables alongside copper, disrupting services. - California has increased penalties and regulations on scrap metal dealers.
The problem extends to EV chargers, with companies developing cut-resistant cables. Enforcement and collaboration are key to deterrence, according to Attorney General Rob Bonta.