AT&T Offers $10,000 Reward for Arrests and Convictions in Cable Theft

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T California announced today the company is offering statewide rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who are cutting and stealing its telephone cable from utility poles throughout California.

AT&T is offering to pay up to $10,000 for information that helps identify and prosecute those responsible. Anyone with information can contact AT&T security at: 1-800-807-4205.

"Stopping copper cable theft has always been a priority, but now AT&T is stepping up its efforts," said Bill Chubb, AT&T vice president, Core Installation and Maintenance. "We're hoping a reward of up to $10,000 will motivate anyone with information to come forward. We intend to cooperate with law enforcement to make sure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted."

Theft of copper and other metals has skyrocketed in recent years as the price for scrap copper and other metals has increased. The theft of utility copper is a significant issue for AT&T. Aside from the costs to the business for the loss of material and cost of repairs, utility copper thefts often disrupt service to customers including access to emergency services.

Elected officials in California are also addressing the problem. Assemblyman Tom Berryhill (R - AD 25) and Senator Ron Calderon (D - SD 30) have introduced legislation to tighten rules regarding the sale of and payment for scrap metal. AB 844 and SB 691 should be considered on the floor of the legislature in the coming weeks.

"The problem of metal theft has had a tremendous impact in rural areas of the state, from disruption of vital communications services to threatening the very livelihood of farmers in my district," said Assemblyman Tom Berryhill. Berryhill is the author of AB 844 and co-author of SB 691 introduced by Senator Calderon.

"The disruption of telephone service and the ability to access emergency services poses a threat wherever you live," said Senator Ron Calderon. "AT&T's statewide effort, and Assemblyman Berryhill's and my pending legislation, should give law enforcement throughout the state additional support to tackle this problem."

In addition to stepping up efforts to identify and prosecute those stealing copper cable, law enforcement officials are pursuing recyclers and their employees who break the law.

Just last month, an integrated law enforcement task force in San Diego led by the Sheriff's Department arrested four people at several scrap recycling businesses. The suspects face criminal prosecution and civil cases for "violating the law by knowingly receiving stolen property, or by failing to follow the requirements of the law of obtaining necessary documentation from those selling copper wire."

"Just as those of us in law enforcement attack drug dealers and drug users, we're aggressively prosecuting both the copper thieves and the recyclers who knowingly buy from them," said San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. "These crimes have a ripple effect, threatening public safety in our community by interrupting utilities and the 911 call system."

To report information on copper cable theft incidents in California and possibly qualify for the reward, people should call AT&T Security at 1-800-807-4205. The reward is for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for stealing copper cable from AT&T. AT&T employees are not eligible for the reward.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.