LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va., July 7 — A surge in copper thefts from data center construction sites is raising security alarms in Loudoun County, Virginia, the region known as ‘Data Center Alley’ that handles a remarkable share of the world’s internet traffic. Local authorities report that between 2022 and 2024, construction site thefts in the county rose by 35%, a pattern that has drawn the attention of law enforcement and the technology industry alike.
In February 2024, thieves stole over $500,000 worth of copper cable from a data center under construction in the county, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. The theft occurred overnight, with suspects cutting through fencing and using a truck to haul away spools of copper wiring.
The incident is one of several that have punctuated the region’s building boom. Loudoun County hosts more than 200 data centers, including facilities for Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft. According to the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, these centers handle 70% of the world’s internet traffic.
The scale of the digital infrastructure here is immense, and it continues to grow.
AI demand fuels construction, and crime
The county’s data center construction boom, fueled by rising demand for artificial intelligence computing power, has created what some law enforcement officials describe as a target-rich environment. Construction sites, often sprawling and filled with valuable raw materials like copper wiring, have become attractive to organized theft rings. Amazon Web Services alone has invested $35 billion in Northern Virginia data centers since 2015.
That level of investment draws not only technology and jobs, but also criminal activity aimed at the supply chains supporting these massive projects. The thefts force contractors to increase security costs, which are then passed on to tech companies, potentially slowing the pace of AI infrastructure expansion.
The economic ripple effect extends beyond the immediate loss of materials. Insurance premiums rise, security personnel are hired in greater numbers, and project timelines can slip.
Copper’s value on the black market
Copper cable is a prime target for thieves because of its high scrap value and the difficulty of tracing it once it is stripped and sold. The metal is essential for grounding, power distribution, and network connections within data centers. A single large facility may require miles of copper cabling, making construction sites a tempting prize.
The February 2024 theft, in which suspects used a truck to remove spools of copper wiring after cutting through perimeter fencing, is a stark example of the brazenness of these operations. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate such incidents, though arrests have not been widely publicized.
Local police data shows that the 35% increase in construction site thefts between 2022 and 2024 is part of a broader trend seen in other regions experiencing rapid data center development. Similar thefts have been reported in northern Virginia’s neighboring counties, though Loudoun remains the epicenter.
A broader challenge for the industry
The problem is not confined to Loudoun County. Across the United States, copper theft has long plagued construction sites, utilities, and transportation infrastructure. But the concentration of data center construction in this one county amplifies the issue.
With over 200 data centers already operating and more under construction, the region represents a unique concentration of valuable materials. Tech companies have responded by increasing on-site security, using surveillance cameras, and coordinating with local law enforcement.
Some contractors now store copper wiring in locked containers or off-site until it is needed for installation. These measures add cost and complexity to projects already facing supply chain pressures. The encouraging part, from a security perspective, is that law enforcement and industry are working more closely together.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has stepped up patrols around construction sites and is encouraging contractors to report suspicious activity immediately.
What to watch next
As AI demand continues to drive data center construction, the pressure on local infrastructure and security will likely persist. The cost of these thefts, ultimately passed on to the tech companies and their customers, could become a factor in the pace of expansion. Patients and the public may not think of data centers when they consider the cost of technology, but the security of these facilities is foundational to the digital services that underpin modern life.
For now, the message from law enforcement is clear: contractors should remain vigilant, and residents should report suspicious activity near construction sites. Talk to your local authorities if you see something unusual.
The security of the region’s digital backbone depends on it.
