NEW ALBANY, Ind. -- Thieves have removed about 2,000 feet of telephone line in Floyd County in the last week, Floyd County Sheriff Darrell Mills said Monday.
Wires have been cut along Corydon Pike, Borden Road, Budd Road and twice along Moser Knob Road. According to police, the thefts have cost AT&T about $75,000.
Mills said the thieves are likely stripping the rubber coating and selling the large-gauge copper. It is estimated the total street value of the stolen copper is $1,500 to $2,500.
"It has caused an interruption of service for a lot of people," Mills said.
The wires are possibly being cut with a saw where they stretch between poles, police say. While copper thefts have been a growing problem in recent years because of the price of precious metals, these thefts are fairly unique.
Mills said the only way the thieves could reach the wires is by using a bucket truck and/or utility worker equipment, such as a harness and boots with climbing spikes. Because the wire is so heavy, police believe more than one person is involved.
The suspects could be current or former utility company employees, or they could have access to that equipment through someone they know.
"There probably aren't many stores that sell that equipment," he said.
Cutting the wires can also potentially be dangerous since other types of wires are often near the telephone lines.
"If they cut the wrong wire, we'll know who's doing it," Mills said.
Mills said AT&T contractors are out this week replacing the wires, but anyone who sees something suspicious is asked to contact police by calling the criminal investigation division at 812-948-5407 or 812-948-5400. Mills said officers will check to make sure the workers have legitimate reason to be there.
Copyright 2011 - The Evening News and the Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
