AT&T Offers $10K Reward for Copper Thieves in Georgia

AT&T is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of copper wire thieves in Georgia. The company has seen an 'alarming increase' in such thefts, with copper prices rising 76% in the state over the past month alone.

The high demand for copper is driven by its recyclable nature and use in various industries, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and electrical wiring. Thieves often mistake fiber cables for copper cables, leading to disruptions in fiber coverage.

Recent incidents of copper theft have occurred in the Augusta area and elsewhere in Georgia. In December 2024, AT&T reported an outage along Horizon Parkway in Grovetown due to stolen fiber internet lines and copper cable. In March 2025, thieves dressed as construction workers slashed utility poles in Sugar Hill, interrupting residents' internet service.

Atlanta police released bodycam video showing officers arresting a man accused of stripping copper wire from the bottom of a home in August. The reward is intended to encourage tips that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these crimes.