Copper theft and the vandalism of communications infrastructure continue to pose significant threats to public safety across Texas. These crimes are far more than property offenses -- they disrupt essential services, hinder emergency response, and leave communities vulnerable.
To address this growing concern, the Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot is proud to partner with the Dallas Police Department and AT&T on a new public service announcement (PSA) aimed at raising awareness and preventing copper theft in our region.
A Unified Message to the Community
The new PSA, created in partnership with AT&T and the Dallas Police Department, highlights the real-world consequences of copper theft and encourages the public to be vigilant. Through this collaboration, we aim to:
Increase community awareness
Support ongoing investigations
Encourage reporting of suspicious activity
Reinforce the message that these crimes will be taken seriously
Protecting critical infrastructure requires teamwork, and we are grateful for dedicated partners who share our commitment to public safety.
Strengthening Protections Through New Legislation
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Texas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 1646, a new law that increases penalties for the theft or destruction of copper and brass from critical infrastructure. The legislation reflects a statewide commitment to protecting essential services and ensuring offenders are held accountable.
Our office worked closely with legislators and public safety partners in shaping this bill. The goal was to create a law that:
Targets organized criminal activity involved in large-scale materials theft
Protects businesses and infrastructure operators who follow the law
Helps prevent service disruptions that could endanger the public
Encourages meaningful collaboration between law enforcement and industry partners
SB 1646 represents an important step toward ensuring Texas has the tools it needs to safeguard critical infrastructure and deter criminal activity.
Our Ongoing Commitment
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office remains focused on addressing the root causes of crime, supporting victims, and strengthening the systems that keep our community safe. This initiative is one of many efforts underway to protect essential services, promote accountability, and build a safer Dallas for everyone.
We encourage residents to watch the PSA and learn more about how copper theft affects our region and what we can do together to prevent it.
