INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD is investigating service line thefts across the city and is currently working with AT&T. These types of thefts have been occurring particularly along the Nickel Plate Trail on the northeast side. AT&T has been implementing new technology to help curb them.
According to reports, thieves are climbing utility poles and stealing phone lines. Oftentimes they are using generic-looking work (“cherry picker”) trucks to access the elevated lines. Thieves allegedly cut the black wire casing to hold a nest of ultra-fine copper wires, which delivers phone signals to homes and businesses. Suspects burn away the multi-color insulation from those ultra-fine copper wires, then sell the wires for scrap.
Please report suspicious activity to 911 at the time you see it. Should you see any suspicious activity along the NPT, or any power lines for that matter, particularly unmarked vehicles, please call 911 to report suspected ongoing criminal activity. Anyone with information concerning these matters can contact Detective Dan Veza at 317-327-6137 or by email daniel.veza@indy.gov