The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a series of thefts involving Verizon communication cable that have occurred along rural roadways and state routes over the past several months. The thefts involve copper communication cable, cut from utility poles in remote, or lightly traveled areas, often resulting in service outages affecting residents and businesses. These incidents typically occur overnight or during periods when the thefts may go unnoticed for extended periods of time. Investigators believe the incidents are related, based on similarities in location, materials targeted, and the methods used to remove the cable. In at least one incident, a vehicle was observed leaving the area. The vehicle is described as a white Ford pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-250 or F-350, single cab, long bed, with a partial Pennsylvania license plate of ZTH. The public is asked to be alert for individuals cutting or removing wire from utility poles; vehicles stopped along rural roads for extended periods, especially at night; pickup trucks or utility-style vehicles parked beneath overhead lines; people using power tools such as grinders or cutters near utility poles; and individuals dragging or loading cable into vehicles. Anyone who observes suspicious activity involving utility lines is urged not to approach, and to contact law enforcement immediately.
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