Protecting America’s Critical Communications Infrastructure
U.S. communications networks power our emergency response systems, law enforcement coordination, and other critical government operations. But these critical networks are increasingly targeted by thieves and vandals attempting to steal and then sell valuable copper or communications equipment.
Between June-December 2024, there were nearly 6,000 intentional incidents of critical communications infrastructure theft and vandalism. These attacks disrupted service for 1.5 million+ customers and cost millions of dollars to repair.
In reality, most U.S. communications networks rely on fiber-optic lines that don’t contain copper or other valuable metals. But because the lines are concealed with an opaque protective casing, vandals often cut them blindly – revealing nothing worth stealing, but nevertheless causing serious damage.
The Result?
American families and businesses suffer and access to life-saving public resources is put at risk.
When vandals target networks in search of copper, they:
- Disrupt Americans’ daily lives
- Impact critical sectors like healthcare, energy, education, finance, and transportation
- Needlessly impose millions in costs on providers, consumers, and the economy
- Jeopardize public safety and emergency response systems
READ THE REPORT:
Protecting the Nation’s Critical Communications Infrastructure from Theft & Vandalism
April 2025
THE PATH FORWARD:
A Coordinated, Collaborative Response
Addressing this growing threat requires a unified response from all sectors – communications providers, the scrap metal industry, law enforcement, and government.
Communications Providers
- Partnering with law enforcement to investigate incidents and identify hot spot areas
- Offering cash rewards for tips leading to arrest
- Raising public awareness about the impacts of these crimes
- Public Service Announcements
- CrimeStoppers Partnerships
- Investing in private security, including surveillance systems, tracking devices, and on-site personnel
The Scrap Metal Industry
- Enforcing ethical practices among scrap metal dealers
- A comprehensive solution must address both the supply and demand sides of the problem. When dealers follow ethical standards, it becomes far harder for criminals to profit from stolen materials.
- Example: In Idaho, several cities require sellers to present valid identification to recyclers to help prevent the sale of stolen metals.
- A comprehensive solution must address both the supply and demand sides of the problem. When dealers follow ethical standards, it becomes far harder for criminals to profit from stolen materials.
Law Enforcement
- Investigating, tracking, and prosecuting infrastructure theft
- Expanding resources, patrols, and prosecution efforts to reduce outages and protect public safety
- Watch: Spectrum News video featuring Los Angeles Police Department Heavy Metal Task Force leader Deputy Chief Michael Oreb on tackling infrastructure crime.
Government
- Reviewing and updating state and local laws related to infrastructure protection and theft penalties
- As of April 2025, 20+ states have passed or are considering legislation to reduce theft and vandalism targeting communications infrastructure.