AT&T warns of increasing copper theft incidents in North Carolina this year
NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — AT&T says it has recorded more than 215 copper theft incidents across North Carolina so far in 2026, warning that the crimes are disrupting communications services and threatening critical infrastructure.
According to the company, the thefts follow more than 630 reported incidents in 2025. AT&T says the combined impact has resulted in more than $540,000 in damages and related costs in North Carolina.
The company cited several recent cases, including an investigation in Buncombe County that led to charges against five people after authorities said the thefts caused widespread service outages. In Pitt County, two people were charged after allegedly stealing about $25,000 worth of copper from an AT&T cell tower site. More recently, three people were accused of posing as AT&T workers while stealing approximately $10,000 worth of copper wire from telephone poles in northwest Charlotte.
AT&T says copper theft can interrupt phone and internet service, affect businesses, and in some cases disrupt communications used by first responders and emergency services.
To help reduce theft, the company says it is working with law enforcement, increasing security around network infrastructure, and continuing to expand its fiber network, which is less vulnerable to copper theft.
AT&T encourages anyone who sees suspicious activity around utility poles, communications equipment or network facilities to report it to local law enforcement.
