Copper Theft Behind AT&T Outages in Arkansas and Missouri, Police Say

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A copper theft is to blame for internet and telephone problems many AT&T customers in Arkansas and Missouri had Monday morning, according to a news release from the Fort Smith police department.

A cable was cut during the theft on Midland Boulevard at about 7:30 a.m.

 This disrupted fiber optic communications from Fort Smith to Kansas City, according to the release.

AT&T customers in Crawford County saw their service go in and out, Veronica Robins, emergency manager, said. That included the county courthouse and the non-emergency line at the dispatch center.

AT&T workers were repairing the cut Monday afternoon.

The FBI joined Fort Smith police in the investigation.

Police stated that an award of up to $1,000 is available for anyone who might have information. The release listed a phone number of 479-78-CRIME (479-782-7463).

 Courtesy: www.4029tv.com