Copper Prices Surge 30%, Fueling Nationwide Wave of Wire Theft

Copper prices have jumped more than 30 percent this year in the United States, and thieves have taken notice.

According to JP Morgan, the surge is driven by a boom in data center construction and speculation surrounding tariffs under the Trump administration. Copper wire is essential to the nation's electrical grid, making it a valuable—and increasingly targeted—commodity.

The thefts are causing real damage. Across the country, roads and bridges have gone dark after lighting cables were stripped. Some 911 calls have failed to connect. And utility customers are seeing higher bills as companies pass along the cost of replacing stolen infrastructure.

More than a dozen states have passed legislation this year aimed at cracking down on copper wire theft.