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Verizon offers reward for information on copper thieves

2 min read

Verizon is offering a reward up to $50,000 for information about stolen copper telephone cables in several areas, including Burgettstown.

During the last year, thieves hit in Washington, Beaver, Fayette and Lawrence counties. Company officials said there were 30 incidents with more than 16,000 feet of copper cable stolen and more than $300,000 in damages.

The most recent theft in Washington County happened Jan. 1 off Steubenville Pike near Burgettstown, said Lee Gierczynski, manager of media relations for the company. He said 600 feet of cable was stolen and customers were affected.

“Most of thefts are happening in isolated areas where there is not much traffic,” Gierczynski said. “Sometimes hundreds of customers are affected.

“It poses a risk to the public. When the cable is cut, customers lose service for no good reason and people are put at risk.”

Verizon officials noted a recently enacted state law increased the penalties for the theft of secondary metals like copper, making it a third-degree felony if the value of the stolen metal is $1,000 or over. It is also considered a third-degree felony if it is the culprit’s third such offense, regardless of the metal’s value.

Anyone with information on the thefts or who sees suspicious activity around Verizon poles is asked to call Verizon security at 1-800-997-3287. Gierczynski said Verizon workers wear clearly visible identification when they are working.

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