Police have arrested six people in Douglas County accused of stealing phone cables from AT&T.
Investigators believe that the crew was responsible for stealing up to 2 tons of metal worth $6,000 to $8,000. Authorities said they found a large of insulation and wire sheathing when they executed search warrants in Douglas County and Union City.
"They used deer stands to climb the poles and then wire cutters to cut the wires. They would cut anywhere from 100 feet to 600 feet at a time, take it to a place in Coweta County and strip it and melt the copper down, and then transport the copper or whatever metal it is to Cherokee, North Carolina and sell it up there," said Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller.
AT&T's director of communications Lance Skelly said the thefts affected 911 communications, people being telemonitored for health issues and people that work from home.
"So when these lines are cut, it's not just people losing their telephone services or internet service, it's people literally losing their lifeline," said Skelly.
AT&T officials said that crews are making around 12 repairs a day. They said the company has a $3,000 reward for information leading to arrests in wire thefts.
Authorities said that tips led them to the alleged metal theft ring, which included four men and two women. It is believed they took the wiring out of state because of Georgia's tough laws regarding recycling centers.
Investigators are looking to see if the group may have also hit at a gated complex in Hampton, Ga. Residents said their complex has been hit at least six times in the last year. The latest theft occurred on Friday, knocking out phone lines for several days.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:02:13 GMT
It's just hair—so why not share a little for a great cause? Monday marks the 7th Annual It's Just Hair Cut-a-Thon at the Taylor Brooks Salon in Alpharetta, and you can help!
It's just hair—so why not share a little for a great cause? Monday marks the 7th Annual It's Just Hair Cut-a-Thon at the Taylor Brooks Salon in Alpharetta, and you can help!
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:24:30 GMT
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:10:38 GMT
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters.
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters during Sunday's downpour.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:36:21 GMT
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:58 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:58:10 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
Authorities said they found a large of insulation and wire sheathing when they executed search warrants in Douglas County and Union City.
