Copper wire thefts up across the state; AT&T is offering hefty award

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) -- AT&T announced this week that copper wire thefts have gone up significantly throughout the state.

They say that more than 2,200 copper theft incidents were reported in 2024 compared to 71 in 2021, all in California.

Thieves leaving streetlights disabled and phone and broadband connections severed, costing multi-millions of dollars in repairs.

Now, the company says it's offering up to $20,000 for specific and detailed information that leads to arrests and convictions related to copper cable theft or the attempted sale of stolen copper.

To report an incident, AT&T says you can contact your local law enforcement or AT&T Global Security at (800) 807‐4205.

AT&T’s reward offer is valid for leads received through February 1, 2026.