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| Copper |
Sky-high copper prices fuel criminal activity targeting U.S. infrastructure
Seven individuals have been arrested in Perry County, Mississippi in connection with the theft of 560 feet of copper wire, an incident that caused telecommunications outages and sparked a multi-day investigation by the Perry County Sheriff’s Department.
The stolen wire, valued at approximately $3,000, was cut from AT&T telephone poles during the night of Sunday, June 1. Additional thefts from other nearby sites were also reported that evening. The missing wire was discovered by AT&T crews on Wednesday, triggering the investigation.
The following day, deputies found two suspects with tubs of burnt wire, a common method used to strip insulation from stolen copper. Further investigation led to the arrest of seven suspects:
- Kimberly Holifield
- Troy Pool
- Brittany Davis
- Timothy Rhymes
- Kevin Langley
- William Phillip
- Katlyn Bryce
A seventh suspect was arrested after attempting to sell the stolen wire at a local scrap yard, a known avenue for laundering stolen metal.
The spike in copper thefts comes amid record-high prices, with copper recently surpassing $11,500 per metric ton, making it a prime target for illegal resale.
Federal authorities are increasingly concerned. The FBI issued a statement warning that although individual cases may seem minor, collectively they pose "a significant threat to public safety and U.S. critical infrastructure."
The incident is part of a growing national trend. Over the past 18 months, arrests tied to copper theft have involved both organized groups and individuals, targeting utilities, telecom companies, and construction sites.
ScrapInsight Editorial Commentary
Copper theft is no longer a petty crime—it’s an infrastructure threat. As prices soar and resale opportunities remain loosely regulated, the scrap industry must brace for tighter oversight and potential regulation. Scrap yards will likely face increasing pressure to vet suppliers more rigorously
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