How Recent Spikes in Copper Theft Threaten Your Emergency Communication & What You Can Do About It

Copper theft is on the rise, impacting businesses and properties across the country. If you haven’t seen the headlines yet, you likely will soon – this growing trend is making waves across national and local news. As thieves target valuable copper wiring, the consequences go beyond financial loss. In many cases, stolen copper disrupts critical emergency communication systems, creating unnecessary safety risks. While copper theft is becoming more prevalent, there are proactive steps property managers and building owners can take to help ensure uninterrupted emergency communication and maintain compliance.

At Kings III, we believe in providing solutions, not fear. Below, we’ll help you understand the issue of copper theft, its effect on emergency communications, and the best way to safeguard your property and tenants.

Why is Copper Theft on the Rise?

Copper wiring is a key component of many electrical and communication systems, and its high resale value makes it an attractive target for thieves. According to recent reports, copper theft incidents have increased nationwide, causing significant disruptions to businesses, utilities, and public safety infrastructure.

Key factors driving the increase in copper theft include:

• Rising copper prices, making scrap metal theft more lucrative

• Accessibility of exposed wiring in commercial buildings, construction sites, and even emergency phone lines

• Lack of adequate security measures, such as surveillance or deterrents

• The ease of selling stolen copper, despite efforts to regulate scrap metal transactions

How Copper Theft Impacts Emergency Communication Systems

When thieves strip buildings and infrastructure of copper wiring, they don’t just steal metal—they disrupt essential services. One of the most concerning consequences is the impact on emergency phone systems. Many emergency phones, including those used in elevators, pools, and parking garages, rely on landline or PBX-based connections, which often use copper wiring.

The Risks of Copper Theft for Emergency Phones:

• Service Outages: If copper phone lines are stolen, emergency calls may not go through when they are needed most.

• Code Compliance Issues: Many regulations require emergency phones to function 24/7. If copper theft causes a system failure, a property may fall out of compliance with elevator and life safety codes.

• Potential Liability: If a tenant or guest experiences an emergency but cannot reach help due to a stolen phone line, property owners could face legal and reputational risks.

Why Traditional Landlines Are Vulnerable

Landlines and PBX phone systems depend on copper wiring, which inherently makes them susceptible to theft. Note: while modern PBX systems utilizing VoIP (Voice over IP) are less vulnerable to traditional copper threats, anyone utilizing them for emergency communications should be aware of additional risks they present.

Once these lines are damaged or removed, it can take days or even weeks for phone service providers to repair them—leaving properties without emergency communication for an extended period.

Additionally, the phase-out of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines means that even if your landline-based emergency phones aren’t affected by theft, they may still become unreliable or costly to maintain in the future.

The Best Defense: Cellular Emergency Communication Solutions

Kings III’s cellular emergency communication solution offers a secure, reliable, and theft-proof alternative to traditional landline connections.

Benefits of Kings III’s Cellular Emergency Solutions:

• Eliminates dependency on landlines – Eliminates the need for POTS lines by leveraging the mobile network

• Reliable 24/7 Monitoring – Helps ensure emergency calls always reach our fully staffed emergency dispatch center

• Battery Backup – Helps keep emergency phones operational even during power outages

• Code Compliance – Meets required safety standards for emergency communication through purpose-built commercial strength equipment

• Cost-Effective – Avoids the maintenance fees and service disruptions associated with aging landline infrastructure

Additional Ways to Prevent Copper Theft on Your Property

Beyond upgrading to theft-proof emergency communication, property managers can take proactive steps to deter copper thieves and protect their buildings:

• Improve Lighting & Visibility: Well-lit areas make it harder for thieves to operate unnoticed.

• Install Security Cameras & Alarms: Surveillance and alarms act as strong deterrents.

• Limit Access to Wiring & Equipment: Secure utility rooms and place protective covers over external wiring.

• Work with Law Enforcement & Scrap Yards: Report suspicious activity and collaborate with authorities to curb copper theft.

Stay Prepared & Protected

Copper theft is a growing issue, but it doesn’t have to put your property—or the safety of your tenants—at risk. By transitioning to a cellular emergency communication solution, property managers can eliminate the vulnerabilities associated with landlines and help to ensure reliable emergency response at all times.

At Kings III, our priority is to provide proactive, expert-driven solutions that keep your emergency communication system secure and compliant—without relying on fear-based messaging. If you’re ready to upgrade your emergency phones to a safer, more reliable option, contact us today to learn more about our cellular emergency phone solutions.

Find out more about Kings III Emergency Communications here.

Tyler Williams – Digital Marketing Coordinator at Kings III of America. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn.