Copper wire theft knocks out internet for Charlotte neighborhood for 2 weeks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Homeowners in a northwest Charlotte neighborhood say they lost internet for 16 days after thieves stole copper wiring from an AT&T utility pole.

Telecommunications companies have reported sharp rises in the amount of copper wire thefts. So far this year, AT&T reports more than 700 incidents of copper wire thefts - more than all of 2025.

“It’s tough,” a man named Mike, who lives in the Paw Creek neighborhood, said. “I had two telehealth visits. One I had to cancel.”

Just this week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they arrested four men on Oct. 24, after catching them on a secluded Charlotte-Mecklenburg school property in west Charlotte with $3,000 worth of copper wire belonging to AT&T.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they believe the men stole the wires outside of Charlotte and were using the property off Freedom Drive to strip and burn the wiring of its copper.

Related --> 4 Charlotte men accused of stealing $3K worth of AT&T copper wire

The men had ropes, a harness, and shoe spikes with them, according to investigators.

All four men face trespassing and felony possession of stolen property charges.