Wave of Costly Copper Thefts Threatens Public Safety, Experts Say

Rising metals prices have fueled a surge in copper thefts, causing widespread damage and disruption.

Examples of network cables that have been targeted by thieves for the copper wire, are shown on display at a news conference in Fresno, Calif., on May 2, 2012. The Canadian Press/AP/The Fresno Bee, John Walker

With copper prices at new highs, attacks on communications and power networks have sharply increased, and telecommunications companies, power suppliers, and construction firms are sounding the alarm.

Copper was trading at roughly $6 per pound or $12,000 a ton at midday on Jan. 7, a more than 30 percent year-over-year increase, according to industry analyst MarketWatch.