AT&T offers $10K reward for information on Georgia copper thieves

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — AT&T is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of copper wire thieves in Georgia.

Recently, the communications giant said it’s seen an “alarming increase” in copper theft. It’s also offering $10,000 rewards in Oklahoma, Kentucky and Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as $20,000 rewards in California and Missouri.

According to AT&T External Affairs Director Brandon Hartley, copper prices have risen 76% in Georgia in the past month alone. The metal is infinitely recyclable and is in demand to help make electric vehicles, solar panels, electrical wiring and more.

The company said the theft can also affect fiber coverage because thieves often mistake fiber cables for copper cables and take the wrong ones.

Metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies have reported multiple arrests for copper wire theft in the past few years. Most recently, Atlanta police released bodycam video showing officers chasing down and arresting a man accused of stripping copper wire from the bottom of a home in August.

In a larger scheme in March 2025, thieves dressed as construction workers slashed multiple utility poles in Sugar Hill, interrupting residents’ internet service. The group ultimately got away with nearly 4,000 feet of copper, according to police.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.