AT&T is appealing to the public for assistance in combating a surge of copper wire thefts that have plagued several communities in southeast Dallas this year. The telecommunications giant has reported over twenty instances of these thefts since mid-February, particularly affecting areas such as Seagoville, Balch Springs, and Mesquite.
The recent thefts have led to significant service disruptions impacting homes, businesses, City of Dallas facilities, and cell towers. In response, AT&T is offering a reward of $10,000 for information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these crimes.
The incidents primarily occur in the early morning hours, typically between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., when thieves cut down overhead telecommunications cables to extract the valuable copper. In addition to the cables, metal distribution boxes have also been targeted.
Each theft not only disrupts everyday connectivity for residents and businesses but also hinders access to emergency services. Furthermore, fiber optic lines have been affected, exacerbating the impact of these criminal activities.
To raise awareness, AT&T has released several public service announcements and has shared images from a notable incident that occurred on February 11. In this event, approximately 150 feet of overhead cable was cut along University Hills Boulevard around 4 a.m. The company is requesting assistance in identifying the owner of the truck involved.
Jonathan Hay, a Global Investigator with AT&T, provided insight into the methods employed by the thieves. “What they do is cut down, or pull out of the ground, telecommunication cable,” he explained. “They’ll take it to an empty lot or hidden place, and they’ll burn it — burn off all the plastic to where they just have burnt copper.” Hay noted that some areas have been repeatedly targeted, with thieves then taking the copper to metal recycling centers for profit.
As the situation continues to evolve, AT&T remains committed to engaging the community in efforts to curb these thefts and restore reliable service to affected residents.
