Copper thefts rise in Dallas-Fort Worth, disrupting utilities
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Copper thefts are nothing new, but an uptick in cases has power and telecommunications companies reeling.
Why it matters: Thieves looking for the highly valuable scrap metal have dug up underground and above-ground wiring, disrupting internet, emergency and power services.
Driving the news: Dallas-based AT&T is offering a $10,000 reward for help solving thefts of its copper cable in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- A Texas law enacted last summer makes damaging copper or brass components of critical infrastructure a third-degree felony if it impairs service. The law has higher penalties for stealing the metal.
How it works: Copper is used for telecommunications and public utilities because of its durability and conductivity.
Stunning stat: This year, AT&T has seen nearly 8,700 copper thefts nationwide, costing around $76 million in repairs, Chris Merrifield, the company's associate director of construction and engineering for Dallas-Fort Worth, tells Axios.
- AT&T's cases spiked during the summer in Dallas and Tarrant counties. The company spent around $3 million on repairs from copper thefts in North Texas this year.
Case in point: A recent theft in Dallas took out 911 service for a portion of the city. Another theft in downtown Dallas took out cell service in East Texas to the Louisiana state line.
- "Most people think it's just a metal that's being cut, but the real impact is the connectivity that comes along with these pathways," Merrifield says.
What they're doing: AT&T is transitioning to a fiber network but can't completely get rid of copper cables because they are regulated by the Texas Public Utility Commission, Merrifield says.
- AT&T has alarms, trackers, cameras and armed patrols in the areas where copper is embedded in the infrastructure. The company is also removing copper that is no longer being used, Merrifield says.
How to help: AT&T says not to intervene if you see a copper theft in progress. You can call in a tip to police at 911 or AT&T's global security team at 800-807-4205.