Most of the Missouri thefts are in Kansas City, St. Louis and Joplin, Tolliver said. Copper thefts have cost AT&T $40 million nationwide so far in 2025 and $2.2 million in Missouri, according to a company spokesman. Copper thefts — including air conditioners and copper pipe — are rising because the price of copper is soaring. Two weeks ago, 911 calls in Arcadia, California, were disrupted after a man stole 60 feet of underground copper wire. Thieves climb poles to take down the wire or drop into manholes to steal underground copper wire.