Security enhancements are helping Bell to crack down on copper thieves, but it wants the provincial and federal governments to do more as well.
Since January 2022, nearly 1000 security incidents in Bell’s network have been reported, with copper theft accounting for around 87 per cent.
The most impacted regions include Ontario, New Brunswick, and Québec.
Each incident takes on average 10 to 12 hours to repair, and during this time customers may not have access to the Internet, TV, and home phone, which impacts their ability to reach emergency services.
The company recently added aerial alarms, designed to alert local law enforcement as soon as an incident is detected so they can respond quickly, and catch vandals in the act.
On February 26, RCMP in Fredericton was notified by an aerial alarm of a cable cut. Two suspects were arrested. No charges have been laid as of yet.
Bell says enhancing security protocols is only part of the solution, and it needs the government and law enforcement to take more action, strengthen laws, increase fines, and make amendments to the Criminal Code.
