MACHIAS — Stolen copper cables caused nearly 250 Frontier Communications customers in Machias to go without telephone and internet service for at least a week.
Service went out on Dec. 20 after vandals cut loose three large-diameter cables, a company spokesperson said. Frontier filed a report with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and sent crews out the next day to repair the equipment. Service was restored Friday, but some customers are still reporting issues.
“Cable and copper theft vandalism are criminal acts that disrupt service to our customers who depend on their telephone and internet service,” said Joe Gamble, Frontier’s vice president for the West region. “We ask the community’s assistance in reporting suspicious activity or providing any information that may help us and local authorities identify those responsible.”
Kitty Kelleigh lives near the vandalized cable box located on Price Road, just off OK Mill Road east of Machias.
She and neighbors still don’t have service, she said. She’s received several messages from the company saying her service is restored, even though it isn’t, she said.
It’s possible some customers are still experiencing disruptions, said Javier Mendoza, a Frontier spokesperson.
“Telecommunication systems can be complicated,” he said. “There can be people that are having unique situations after service is restored.”
But the main concern for telecommunication companies like Frontier is restoring service so customers can make 911 or other emergency calls.
“It’s unfortunate that thieves and vandals engage in these acts that disrupt vital services,” Mendoza said.
But cable and metal theft is not new to Snohomish County or the country.
The price of copper has spurred vandals to seek out the metal wherever they can.
In recent years, local thieves have stolen church bells, brass fittings for firefighting, sewer gates and more. The metals are often melted down and scrapped for quick cash.
Any Frontier customer still experiencing an outage can call 800-921-8101.
Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to call Frontier at 800-590-6605.
Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.
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