FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Brazen thieves are now knocking down
utility poles in rural areas of Central California to get valuable
copper wiring.
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says the new tactic by wire
thieves endangers motorists who come across down lines and poles on
darkened roadways.
Additionally, hundreds of residents cannot make emergency 911
calls.
The Fresno Bee (http://bit.ly/ItUaAM ) says the sheriff was
joined at a Wednesday news conference by AT&T representatives.
To reach copper wire, thieves are cutting guy wires that support
poles and they use a vehicle to knock them down. In neighboring
Madera County, eight poles have recently been knocked down by
thieves.
Recyclers pay cash for copper wire.
AT&T is offering $10,000 for information leading to the arrest
and conviction of wire thieves who knock down power poles.
---
Information from: The Fresno Bee, http://www.fresnobee.com
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
