Oklahoma Copper Wire Thefts Surge, AT&T Offers $10K Reward

Oklahoma Copper Wire Thefts Surge as AT&T Offers $10,000 Reward

Oklahoma copper wire thefts have climbed to more than 300 incidents this year, prompting AT&T to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people responsible for stealing copper from the company’s network.

Oklahoma now ranks sixth in the nation for network disruptions caused by copper theft, according to AT&T. The thefts are doing far more than damaging company equipment. When telecommunications lines are cut, entire neighborhoods can lose phone and internet service, and access to critical emergency communications can also be disrupted.

The growing number of cases has AT&T working with Oklahoma law enforcement agencies and recycling operations to identify stolen telecommunications wire and the people responsible for selling it.

Oklahoma Copper Wire Thefts Top 300 Cases

Tulsa and Oklahoma City have experienced some of the highest numbers of reported incidents in the state. Tulsa has recorded 93 copper thefts, while Oklahoma City has reported 86 so far this year.

The damage from a single theft can affect hundreds of people. In one recent Oklahoma case, more than 300 households lost telephone and internet service for approximately 13 hours after telecommunications lines were cut.

AT&T says thieves frequently target copper cable because the metal can be sold for scrap. However, the company warns that what may appear to be a property crime can quickly become a public safety problem when damaged infrastructure interrupts communications.

The company is working with law enforcement and recycling centers to identify stolen material and has outlined additional efforts through its copper theft prevention and enforcement initiative.

Investigators have recovered thousands of pounds of telecommunications wire during efforts targeting the illegal resale of stolen copper.

$10,000 Reward Offered for Information

AT&T is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for copper theft involving its network.

Residents are being asked to watch for suspicious activity around utility poles, manholes, telecommunications boxes and other network equipment. Warning signs can include people cutting or pulling cable without clearly marked utility vehicles nearby or individuals burning insulation from wire.

Anyone who sees a theft in progress should contact local law enforcement and should not confront the people involved.

Anonymous tips involving AT&T equipment can also be reported to AT&T Global Security at 1-800-807-4205.

Oklahoma also regulates the purchase and sale of scrap metal through the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Dealers Act, which includes recordkeeping and identification requirements intended to help authorities track certain scrap-metal transactions.

Why the Thefts Are a Public Safety Concern

The consequences of copper theft increasingly extend beyond the cost of replacing stolen wire.

Cut telecommunications infrastructure can interrupt residential internet and telephone service, disrupt businesses and potentially interfere with the ability of residents to reach emergency services.

AT&T is urging residents to report suspicious activity rather than attempting to intervene. The company also provides information about protecting telecommunications infrastructure and reporting theft through its official network security resources.

With Oklahoma now ranking sixth nationally for copper-related network disruptions, the company hopes the combination of the $10,000 reward, law enforcement investigations and increased public awareness can help reduce the growing number of thefts.

An arrest is an allegation, not a conviction.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS.