Man cuts down Richmond telephone lines, causes $20K in damage

( KRON ) — A man suspected of causing $20,000 in damage by cutting down telephone wires in broad daylight earlier this week was arrested, the Richmond Police Department announced Wednesday.

Richmond officers responded to the 1200 block of Castro Ranch Road on the report of a wire theft in progress. A suspect was "quickly located" and detained, Richmond PD said. A search of the suspect's vehicle uncovered stolen wire and tools used to steal wire.

The suspect was arrested and booked into jail for felony theft, police said.

AT&T estimated the damage to the phone lines to be over $20,000. Telephone and internet access was disrupted in the area due to the cut wires.

There has been an increase in copper wire thefts in the area, Richmond PD said. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity near utility boxes, utility poles or buried utilities in Richmond is asked to contact police dispatch at (510)-233-1214.

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