INDIANA— AT&T is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for stealing copper wires in Brown, Marion, and Shelby counties.
The company also seeks tips for theft, vandalism, or the attempted sale or purchase of stolen copper wire.
Bill Soards, president of AT&T Indiana, explained that copper wire thefts cause significant consumer disruptions, mainly when they affect essential communication services. “When that occurs, it disrupts our consumers’ ability to connect to the outside world,” he said.
Soards confirmed that a copper theft caused recent outages in the southwest side of Indianapolis. Thieves had left some of the stolen wires dangling from telephone poles, further complicating repairs and creating safety concerns.
While most customers now rely on wireless and fiber-optic technology, copper wire remains essential for traditional telephone services, businesses, hospitals, and emergency services, Soards noted.
“We’re asking local customers to call local enforcement if you see someone in an unmarked AT&T vehicle cutting or removing copper wires frequently from an aerial telephone pole,” he added. “Report those things to law enforcement and local AT&T security.”
Copper wire thefts have become more common in the past year, driven partly by rising copper prices. This surge in robbery is not just a local issue but part of a nationwide trend, with metal thefts reported in states like Texas and California as well.
AT&T urges residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help curb this ongoing issue.
