Copper wire thefts of all kinds appear to be increasing in 2023. Not just telecommunications copper cables, but also electric and transit cables.
San Joaquin County reported a 139% increase in copper wire thefts over four months, and one theft in the county left the 911 center unable to receive calls.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-07-01/copper-wire-thefts-cause-delays-for-metro-railways
