FinancialMediaGuide notes that copper is a crucial component not only in energy but also in telecommunications, construction, and emerging technologies. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in copper prices, making it an attractive target for criminals. This, in turn, damages infrastructure, increasing the cost of repairs and putting pressure on the economy.
According to analysts at FinancialMediaGuide, the increase in copper prices has led to a surge in thefts, threatening the security of urban networks, communication systems, and other vital infrastructure. Cities like Los Angeles, in particular, are experiencing an increase in copper wire thefts, with criminals targeting street poles, bridges, sewer covers, and other structures. The growing demand for copper, combined with its high value, creates lucrative opportunities for criminals to make quick profits.
In Los Angeles, for example, thieves stole over 38,000 feet of copper from a newly constructed bridge on Sixth Street, causing damage of $2.5 million. According to FinancialMediaGuide, such incidents have become an everyday threat to cities nationwide. These crimes often remain unsolved because identifying stolen copper is extremely difficult, and repairing damaged infrastructure costs millions of dollars.
The rise in copper prices also leads to an increase in attacks on telecommunications networks. According to industry experts, more than 15,000 destructive attacks on internal communications networks were recorded from June 2024 to June 2025, primarily due to copper wire thefts. This has disrupted services for over 9.5 million subscribers, and restoring normal operations requires significant effort and resources.
However, copper thefts are not just a criminal issue; they have become an economic indicator. As FinancialMediaGuide analysts explain, the rising copper prices reflect the growing demand for the metal due to increased construction, particularly in technology and infrastructure sectors. For instance, new data centers and the expansion of telecommunications networks require large amounts of copper. This creates competitive pressure on the metal, which is quickly becoming a valuable commodity on the black market.
Additionally, the problem of copper theft is complicated by the fact that the metal is very difficult to trace. Unlike other materials, copper lacks unique characteristics that make stolen property easy to identify. As a result, criminals often operate with minimal risk of being caught, leading to a rise in such incidents. In some cases, these thefts can be equated with acts of terrorism, as noted by FinancialMediaGuide experts, due to the extent of the damage caused to society and the economy.
In response to this threat, authorities in some U.S. states, including California, have enacted stricter laws aimed at combating copper theft. Specifically, there is increased scrutiny of scrap metal recyclers who purchase stolen copper. However, according to FinancialMediaGuide, these measures are insufficient to effectively address the thefts, as criminals can use complex schemes to cover their tracks.
FinancialMediaGuide forecasts that the situation will only worsen in the coming years. With rising demand for copper driven by the growth of new technologies and construction, the number of crimes will increase, leading to higher costs for repairing infrastructure. These costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers in the form of higher utility rates, placing additional financial strain on the population.
As a result, Financial Media Guide predicts that in order to effectively combat copper thefts, new methods of infrastructure protection will be required. Implementing monitoring technologies and improving security at sites will become a key part of cities’ strategies to ensure safety. It is also crucial to develop alternative materials that can reduce dependence on copper, particularly in areas where it is used in large quantities.
Moreover, there is a need to continue tightening regulations on metal recycling and collaborate more closely with law enforcement to enhance the effectiveness of investigations. Only by doing so can we minimize the negative consequences of rising copper thefts and ensure long-term stability of infrastructure.
