AT&T offers $1,000 reward over copper thieves, vandals in Meigs County

A telephone pole.
A telephone pole.

AT&T officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the vandalism and theft of the phone company's aerial copper telephone cables in Meigs County.

Company officials said 14,305 linear feet of cables weighing an estimated 2,594 pounds have been stolen since April.

Officials said the rising market for copper "has led some people to extreme measures, including stealing copper cables from houses and telephone poles."

The $1,000 reward offer expires Nov. 1.

"Our local citizens depend on telecommunications for so many things, especially in emergencies," Meigs County Mayor Bill James said in a news release. "Copper theft is a serious problem, and law enforcement needs our help to put a stop to copper theft."

It is a felony under federal law to tamper with phone lines.

"AT&T is taking this matter very seriously," AT&T Tennessee regional director Alan Hill said. "We are working with local law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for the crimes are apprehended and punished."

AT&T officials say metal theft costs businesses nationally around $1 billion each year, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. It can also impact public safety by compromising communications or emergency response capabilities such as 911 service.

The company is working with law enforcement agencies and scrap metal dealers in the city of Decatur and Meigs County.

Officials urge anyone with information about the theft to contact the Meigs County Sheriff's Office at 423-334-5268 or AT&T Asset Protection at 800-807-4205.

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