Telecom company battles copper wire theft Created: 11/22/2010 6:08:01 PMA combination of a struggling economy and rising prices in the copper market have led to a significant increase in copper wire theft. Frontier, a telecommunications company, has recently made an effort to more effectively fend off copper wire thieves.
Recently, copper wire thieves have targeted the company’s network facilities, doing costly damage. "Damage to our facilities can affect communications access in an emergency, increase company costs and consumer rates, and disrupt community phone and broadband connections," said Lynne Monaco, the company’s director of security.
Employees have been in contact with law enforcement to report and follow up on crimes. The company said the thefts pose a threat to national security, potentially disabling emergency response systems.
The Department of Homeland Security has said telecommunications are a vital part of national infrastructure. Monaco also said the thefts endanger customers and pose risks of personal injury and property damage.
Copper wire theft poses a danger to both victims and criminals. In West Virginia alone, four people have been electrocuted to death attempting to steal copper wire.
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