Growing concern of copper theft in Colorado Springs, having the most cases in the state

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - CenturyLink is confronting a significant surge in copper wire theft across Colorado Springs, resulting in more than $440,000 in damages in 2026 and impacting more than 4,100 customers. To combat this ongoing issue, CenturyLink has begun testing GPS tracking devices embedded in wires.

The telecommunications company has recorded more than 40 cases of copper theft in Colorado Springs this year, a pace on track to exceed the total number of instances reported statewide in 2025. Thieves often target copper due to its price and the ease of recycling. This leads them to cut various types of wires, frequently disrupting internet service for residents and businesses.

Michael Griffith, a representative for CenturyLink, emphasized the widespread repercussions of these crimes. "And that affects not just, you know, individual homes, but it affects businesses. It affects senior centers. It can affect it can be, emergency services and communications as well," Griffith stated.

CenturyLink reached out to KRDO13 to raise public awareness about the issue, particularly after a recent incident cut off communication for a senior living center.

The new GPS tracking devices are placed inside the wires. If a thief cuts and removes a wire containing a device, it transmits a signal to CenturyLink and law enforcement, allowing authorities to track the stolen material to a specific location.

"If somebody were to take and cut that wire out and leave with it, that ultimately gets to us and then law enforcement, so they can track that device where it's going to somebody's house, a camp or recycler," says Griffith.

We also reached out to the Colorado Springs Police Department, which reports that they've responded to twice as many metal theft cases this year as last.

CenturyLink advises the public to report any suspicious activity observed around utility boxes or overhead lines. This is especially important if no official work vehicle or uniform is present at the scene.

CenturyLink hopes these innovative GPS tracking efforts will significantly decrease or eliminate copper wire thefts. The company encourages community vigilance and reporting to help mitigate future incidents.

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