BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
TOMAHAWK — Copper thieves cut and stole over 5,000 feet of phone and cable lines from the Tomahawk and Milo communities over the last week, leaving residents without phone and internet services.
Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said some residents reported cable outages occurred last weekend while others occurred overnight Saturday and early Sunday morning.
“Most of the lines that are cut are phone lines, but we are now receiving reports of cable lines being cut that has affected internet service to this area,” Kirk said.
The sheriff posted on social media Sunday morning asking residents to review their surveillance cameras and report any relevant findings to him.
Kirk is declaring war not only on the culprits committing the theft but the scrap yard owners purchasing large amounts of copper from repeat customers.
“If we start putting the scrap yard owners in jail and charge them with receiving stolen property, they’ll think twice before they hand over cash for a few hundred pounds of copper,” Kirk said. “If we prove that what they paid was over a certain amount, they will find themselves facing a felony charge. And I guarantee you these cases will not be pled down or the charges reduced.
“If you willingly pay for stolen property, then you should have money to hire an attorney and post bail. You will need both.”
The sheriff vowed to commit every resource toward stopping cable theft in the county, including utilizing volunteer deputies and working with county constables.
“Enough is enough,” said Kirk. “This is a crime that not only creates a huge loss for AT&T and Optimum but is endangering the lives, safety and welfare of residents who cannot call for help in times of a medical emergency or when they need police or the fire department.”
To cable thieves, the sheriff asks, “Is a couple of hundred dollars worth being arrested, losing your freedom, being away from your family and embarrassing the ones you love? If you have any decency about you, then the answer to that question should be a definite ‘no.’”
The same goes for those purchasing the copper. “You will go to jail and most likely lose your license to own and operate a business,” said Kirk. “I promise the risk is not worth taking.”
The sheriff said one of his deputies spoke to AT&T and was told the lines that stretch from just one pole to the next can easily cost $3,000-$5,000 to replace.
“Now consider how much we are talking to replace 5,000 feet of line. You’re taking thousands upon thousands of dollars, and we know all too well that eventually the cost is passed on to the customers, creating greater hardship for families already struggling to make ends meet.”
Kirk asks residents to keep their eyes open and their ears listening for information regarding the copper thefts.
“I don’t need your name. All I need is the information you may have that would lead us to those wreaking havoc on Martin County, especially our elderly citizens who depend on their phone service as a lifeline to the outside world. Your identity will not be disclosed.”
Sheriff Kirk also mentioned that when the thieves burn the lines to melt away the plastic coating, it omits a distinct odor and creates black smoke.
“It’s going to take all of us working together to put an end to this wave of crime,” said Kirk.
Report copper theft by calling the sheriff at 606-298-2828.