We live in a world that is dependent on the telecommunications industry to function on a day to day basis. How can proactive security deter thieves and prevent potential service outages?
Telecommunications theft plagues Canadian industry leaders.
Telecommunications theft is a crime that affects the companies that provide telephone and Internet services, but also their customers who are negatively affected by outages and service disruptions.
In addition to the theft of valuable materials, theft and vandalism at telecom properties can result in lost time & revenue, expensive repair costs, and inconvenience to potentially thousands of customers or more. Theft of telecommunications infrastructure isn’t slowing down, as the number of theft incidents grew by 200% annually from 2021 to 2023 (1) .The price of copper wire reached a value of $11,000 USD per ton in spring of 2024, for the first time ever. This was a stark increase from recent years, where it fetched a price closer to $8,600 per ton. The growth will not stop there, as some industry insiders speculate that the price of copper wire will continue to rise to as much as $40,000 per ton in the next few years. (2)
These thieves mainly target the copper wire found in utility poles and connection hubs, but may also target anything else of value, including fibre-optic cables. There are also the safety risks associated with stealing copper wire, as thieves may be electrocuted in the process of stealing the wire. Concerns for public safety also come into focus as customers are unable to dial 911 in the event of an emergency during an outage (1). There is also the threat to the larger communications infrastructure – outages can cut off access to vital services across the country, including emergency services, hospitals, government agencies, and financial services. (3)
The Canadian telecommunications industry is calling for stiffer penalties for copper wire thieves, who are causing major outages and cutting off service in their efforts to make a quick buck. Many copper wire thieves are charged with theft under $5,000 and end up serving little to no jail time, which isn’t an effective enough deterrent according to telecom industry leaders. Proposed solutions include potential sabotage charges for thieves that cause telecom outages, as well as lawsuits, and tougher legislation. (1)
Telecommunications theft is on the rise across the country.
In May 2024, an attempt to steal copper wire resulted in a widespread Rogers outage in the Calgary, AB area, affecting 15,000 customers. The thief was attempting to cut copper wire but also cut the fibre-optic cable in the process, resulting in a loss of service. Customers were without service for several hours as repair crews attempted to fix the issue. The outage not only affected households in the area but also local businesses who were not able to make debit or credit transactions, impacting their livelihoods. (4)
During the same period, a copper cable cut during a theft in St. Catharines, ON led to a major outage in the area. Bell attributed the disruption to the theft of 50 metres of copper cable, covering a large area. The outage lasted much longer than anticipated due to weather delays and the fact that the cable was up an escarpment, making it much harder for crews to replace. (5)
In July 2024, another copper cable theft again left Calgary residents without phone and Internet service. Landlines were affected, which meant customers could not dial 911 in case of an emergency – an alarming effect of telecommunications theft. Telus estimates 650 customers experienced service disruptions, which lasted several days. Local industry leaders and businesses are calling for the Alberta provincial government to take a stronger stance on telecommunications theft and the larger impact it has on the community. (6)
How can we help prevent theft at telecommunications properties?
Artificial Intelligence provides next level detections
Our proprietary artificial intelligence platform is the next level of proactive security, assisting our Live Remote Video Monitoring operators with detecting individuals as they approach a protected property. AI has the ability to differentiate human movement from other movements and inanimate objects on-site, including swaying telephone poles or wires, copper spools, and other important assets. We are always on the forefront of innovation, and our AI platform is leading the charge in the next generation of telecommunications theft prevention.
Video Security Units are a robust, complete security package
Our Video Security Units are a pre-assembled security package that provides camera coverage of Canadian telecommunications properties. The inclusion of two stationary cameras help to establish perimeter protection and situational awareness. A dedicated, powerful PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera allows our Live Remote Video Monitoring team to zoom in on important details in high-resolution, capturing every move of would-be criminals. All our units leverage the power of our proprietary cellular LTE+ platform which creates a wireless security grid free of traditional wired Internet solutions.
Live Remote Video Monitoring provides proactive protection
Our Live Remote Video Monitoring team detect and deter crime in real-time. Our team keep a close watch and issue proactive deterrents to warn criminals that the site is protected. They issue loud voice commands and activate bright LED strobe lights to signal that the site is off-limits, and if they continue, Police will be alerted and dispatched to the scene, if necessary.
Mobile & Solar Units are ideal for remote locations
Many telecommunications sites are remote, in areas that are distant from traditional power infrastructure. Our Mobile Video Security Unit can be set up anywhere to establish proactive security measures within minutes. Our Solar Video Security Unit can also be leveraged, utilizing solar power to provide a completely power-free solution for Canadian telecommunications sites that require it.
IR Night Vision & Thermal Cameras shine a spotlight on criminals
Many criminals strike at telecommunications properties after-hours, under the cover of darkness. Our infrared night vision cameras will bring them into the light, utilizing infrared light to flood the field of view and detect criminals in low light conditions. Our optional Thermal cameras can also shine a spotlight on criminals, detecting their heat signatures as they approach a property.
syncroReports is your full-service security reporting portal
All your site and security information is available at the click of a button through our proprietary reporting platform, syncroReports. Through this portal, you can view detailed Log Reports, control PTZ camera movement, access our License Plate database, and more. Never lose touch with your site’s security efforts by staying in the loop on both web and mobile.
Criminals will continue to target telecommunications properties for their valuable assets, leading to potential outages for businesses and customers. With proactive security, we can help ensure telecommunication services stay operational and free from crime.
Resources:
- “Copper theft has been growing. The telecom industry wants tougher penalties”, Paula Duhatschek, CBC News Calgary, July 5, 2024
- “The real reason for copper’s record-shattering rally, according to one trading firm”, Filip De Mott, Markets Insider, June 6, 2024
- “Copper theft increasing at ‘rapid pace’ across Canada”, Steven Wilhelm, Calgary Herald, June 8, 2024
- “Rogers outage in parts of north Calgary due to copper wire theft, says company”, CBC News, May 6, 2024
- “Cable theft knocks out internet in parts of St. Catharines, Ontario”, Brad Bennett, Mobile Syrup, May 27, 2024
- “Copper theft causes Telus outage in Ogden affecting landlines, 911 service”, Mackenzie Rhode, The Observer, July 31, 2024