Copper theft trends vary across Chilean regions

Water meter thefts have seen a significant increase in the La Araucanía region. Aguas Araucanía reported that 158 water meters have been stolen so far in 2026, with 65% of those incidents occurring in the last three months. The most affected areas are Temuco and Padre Las Casas, accounting for 54% and 41% of thefts, respectively. Company officials noted that these crimes, primarily driven by the illegal sale of copper, cause service interruptions and water loss. The utility provider is transitioning to meters without copper to mitigate this risk and is gathering evidence for legal action.

In contrast, the Ñuble region has experienced a 64.8% decrease in copper cable thefts from public electrical grids during 2026. Companies such as Copelec and CGE reported lower incident numbers compared to 2025. This decline is attributed to coordinated efforts between public institutions, police, and private companies through the Regional Inter-institutional Table for the Prevention and Prosecution of Electrical Conductor Theft. However, officials remain cautious, noting that copper theft is a mobile and cyclical phenomenon.