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Article by the Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
The Greene County Sheriff’s Department has asked for the public’s help in bringing a stop to copper theft as the crime is occurring with increasing frequency in the area.
According to police reports, copper wire was reported as stolen from Brightspeed telephone lines last week, leaving many in East Tennessee without telephone service.
Detective Sergeant Robert Livingston says thieves are stripping the wire and selling it at scrap yards and recycling facilities for roughly $4-$6 per pound.
An employee stated that approximately 900 feet of copper wire that spanned five utility poles was taken from Houston Valley Road. Several cuts were observed on the steel cords and the copper wiring had been removed.
Reports state that copper wire theft has occurred in the late night/early morning hours in several areas, including North Greene, Fall Branch, Limestone, Chuckey, and Caney Branch. Neighboring counties have also recorded theft of Brightspeed copper wiring as well.
Damage from the Houston Valley Road incident was estimated to be $20,000. However, Brightspeed has reported that all of the thefts combined amount to around $750,000 in damages.
Guilty individuals could face felony theft charges in connection with the incidents.
Greene County residents who suspect copper line theft in the county can report it to the Greene County Sheriff’s Department at 423-798-1800 ext 1515 or the Greene County Sheriff’s Department central dispatch line at 423-638-8663.
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