Video captures bold copper wire thieves in Houston’s Northside
Copper wire thieves were recently captured on surveillance video in Houston’s Northside neighborhood, showcasing the brazenness and audacity of these criminals. The incident occurred early on a Sunday morning before many AT&T customers experienced an internet outage, highlighting the serious consequences of these thefts.
In the footage shared with KRPC 2, several individuals wearing hoods can be seen in a black truck cutting and collecting wires. A concerned woman filming the incident can be heard urging someone to call the police as the thieves went about their illegal activities without any regard for the law. When confronted by neighbors, the thieves remained unfazed, treating the situation as if they were legitimate workers on the job.
One neighbor, David Cortez, recounted the incident, noting how the thieves instructed the homeowner to wait as they continued cutting cables. The thieves’ demeanor and actions were described as “real brave and brazen,” highlighting the sense of impunity with which they operated. The surveillance video captured the thieves hastily leaving the scene in their truck, leaving behind most, if not all, of the stolen materials.
A pole supporting the wires ultimately snapped, causing damage to a fence and a carport, while the stolen wires themselves led to an outage in the neighborhood. AT&T customers were informed that it could take several days for internet services to be fully restored. The Cortez family, who witnessed the incident, speculated that the thieves had likely carried out similar thefts before due to their organized and methodical approach.
This incident is not an isolated one. Houston saw a significant increase in cable thefts last year, with thieves targeting copper wires for recycling purposes. Similar trends have been observed in other cities, with Fort Worth reporting a 545% increase in AT&T cable thefts over the past two years. The impact of these thefts extends beyond financial losses, affecting essential services like emergency communications and healthcare access.
Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of these thefts on infrastructure and public safety. Greater cooperation between police, prosecutors, and telecommunication companies is needed to address this issue effectively. AT&T has highlighted the importance of passing stricter penalties to deter future thefts and protect critical communications infrastructure.
In conclusion, the recent incident in Houston’s Northside neighborhood sheds light on the pervasive issue of copper wire theft and its far-reaching consequences. Heightened awareness, community vigilance, and collaborative efforts are essential to combat this criminal activity and safeguard essential services for all. If you have any information regarding the individuals involved in this incident, please contact the Houston Police Department.