AT&T Goes After Copper Wire Thieves 338
coondoggie writes "Copper thieves targeting Atlanta are now being targeted themselves by AT&T, which is offering $3,000 for information leading to their arrest. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that in one recent three-day stretch, nearly 7,000 customers and two schools lost land line phone service. The FBI has said in the past that the rising theft of the metal is threatening critical infrastructure by targeting electrical substations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes for lucrative profits."
Re:Wow! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Final Solution (Score:1, Funny)
I didn't know Hitler was alive and posting on Slashdot...I guess that explains the high number of grammar Nazi's around here.
That stray apostrophe will cost you your life.
Currently inducing a headache... (Score:5, Funny)
Looks like these guys are stopping people from...
*puts on sunglasses*
...conducting business.
Re:Copper theft (Score:3, Funny)
I'd have to guess paying an annual fee, and having to go "on record" would deter some of the average thieves?
I'm generally against any extra govt. intervention, rules or licensing...but this actually seems like it might server an appropriate function. I mean, the do monitor pawn shops, why not have some type of system that is somewhat analogous to what they do to pawn shops to help prevent stolen goods from being fenced through them.
Re:Copper theft (Score:2, Funny)
So what we just need to do is put more into infrastructure, remove all copper and replace with fiber optic..Voila no more copper thefts!
That will raise fiber prices, inspiring fiber theft.
What we need is a bunch of hidden cameras watching key infrastructure at crucial points.
Harsh punishment for even attempting to remove installed wiring / conduit in attempt to steal metal.
And traps / "bait", in the form of putting some wiring in very visible places that _looks_ like easy pickings, but is heavily guarded
Wow, a whole $3000??? (Score:3, Funny)
I can definitely see why someone would put their life at risk by snitching on criminals, for that kind of reward. They could live like a king!
That's even more than I could get for finding that lost dog!
Re:This is a problem not just besetting AT&T (Score:3, Funny)
... Some of the places here provide coffee, a tent, and insulation strippers...
You know copper recycling is profitable if they can afford to provide strippers.
Re:Copper theft (Score:2, Funny)
My state already requires the scrap yard to take a photo id when they buy scrap.
So no need to create a big new government apparatus to oversee such sales, just increase the fines on yards that make mistakes (which helps deter them from making "mistakes").
Welcome to Detroit (Score:1, Funny)
Seriously. Welcome to Detroit.
i can see the headline now (Score:3, Funny)
"Coppers put Stopper on Copper Choppers"
Re:Copper theft (Score:3, Funny)
I didn't realize that the theft of buckets and barrels was a huge issue anywhere.
Of course if you're talking about the theft of the cooper perhaps you should use kidnapping.