The AI Boom Is Fueling a Surge in Copper Theft

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the subsequent demand for data center infrastructure have triggered an unexpected side effect: a massive spike in copper theft. As the price of copper has nearly doubled over the past year, critical infrastructure providers—most notably AT&T and operators of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations—are facing a wave of criminal activity. AT&T has reported over 10,400 incidents of copper theft, prompting the company to offer a $20,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of perpetrators.

This trend highlights a significant economic vulnerability for industries reliant on legacy and modern electrical infrastructure. While the raw material stolen may only fetch a few hundred dollars at a recycling facility, the operational impact is disproportionately high. Businesses are forced to absorb tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs, emergency maintenance, and lost revenue due to service disruptions. The disparity between the street value of the metal and the cost of the damage creates a persistent and costly challenge for infrastructure security.

For the business community, this surge underscores the need for enhanced security measures and a reevaluation of supply chain dependencies. As AI continues to drive demand for copper, the metal has effectively become a high-value target for organized theft. Companies must now balance the rapid deployment of new technologies with the physical security of the materials required to power them, as the cost of inaction continues to rise alongside global commodity prices.