“This legislation will increase penalties for copper theft and give law enforcement more tools to fight this growing threat.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – State Sen. Phil King announced the filing of SB 1646 to combat the dramatic surge in copper theft in Fort Worth and across Texas.
“We have seen a shocking rise in copper theft in Texas with thieves targeting Texas’ critical infrastructure – including water systems, utilities, communications networks and emergency response systems – putting Texans at risk and costing taxpayers and private companies millions of dollars every year,” Senator King said. “This legislation will increase penalties for copper theft and give law enforcement more tools to fight this growing threat.”
- strengthen criminal penalties for intentional copper wire and fiber optic cuts that damage and
- negatively impact critical infrastructure – such as emergency services,
- prohibit the possession of copper and brass materials used by utilities unless authorized, and
- enhance metal recycling reporting requirements to prevent illegal copper wire transactions.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said, “The theft of copper is a direct attack on our critical infrastructure. Often new subdivisions are ravaged, which delays construction. Oilfield operations are stalled, interrupting operations. These thefts have an untold economic impact on citizens and businesses. I support this bill to provide law enforcement the tools we need to fight this type of organized crime, and I support heavy penalties in order to deter this offense.”
Shelly Botkin, Executive Director, Texas Broadband Association, said, “Copper cable theft and associated fiber vandalism disrupt the flow of communications and connection to emergency services. Telecommunications networks are critical infrastructure, and this presents a significant risk to public safety and national security – putting Texans at risk.”
The price of copper has increased 500% since 2000, driving up the payout for thieves. Fort Worth saw a 545% increase in reported AT&T cable theft and a 53% increase in metal theft overall between October 2020 and October 2024. Police across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex have arrested more than 250 people for stealing copper wire in the past year.
