AT&T has had a large increase in the amount of wire that is being stolen across Alabama. Initially the issues were localized to the theft of copper cable in Mobile County, Alabama. The AT&T Asset Protection Office is currently investigating and has now been opened as a statewide case for Alabama: Case: CACS22-0221A
These cable thieves will often cut the cable down from the poles and remove the sheathing, often by burning. The thieves will then take the copper to a scrap yard for money. Under the Alabama Code, scrap yards must verify identification of individuals who bring in copper wire that has been burned, unless verifiable documentation is provided that the source of the copper wire was in a building destroyed by fire. AT&T is requesting assistance from the public in identifying these copper thieves. The photographs shown are taken from actual copper theft investigations. Authorities hope that this helps the community to recognize when thieves are actively attempting to steal and disrupt service.
If you have any information regarding this crime, please immediately call the Police or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!
If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers. They don’t need your information, Just theirs!
Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code § 13A-8-37
(a) It is unlawful for a person to possess or control the following property knowing that it has been stolen or having reasonable grounds to believe it has been stolen, unless the property is possessed or controlled with intent to restore it to the owner:
(1) Metal property marked with the initials of an electrical company, a telephone company, a cable company, another public utility, a railroad, or a brewer.
(8) Metal property marked with the name of a government entity.
(9) Unused and undamaged building construction or utility materials consisting of copper, pipe, tubing or wiring, aluminum wire, or historical markers.
(b) Any person who violates the requirements of subdivision (a)(2) or (a)(10) shall be guilty of a Class C felony for a first offense, a Class B felony for a second offense, and a Class A felony for a third or subsequent offense within a 10-year period.
(c) Any person who violates the requirements of subdivision (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (9) of subsection (a) shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, a Class A misdemeanor for a second offense, and a Class C felony for a third or subsequent offense within a 10-year period.
