Atlanta Police Seek Suspect in $18K Copper Cable Infrastructure Theft

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Police Department is requesting help from the public to identify a suspect responsible for the theft of nearly $18,000 worth of copper utility cable from local infrastructure. The theft occurred on March 30, 2025, and caused significant internet and communication service blackouts for residents in the metropolitan area.

Infrastructure Damage and Service Disruption

According to utility workers and investigators, the suspect targeted outdoor telecommunications infrastructure, climbing utility poles to cut down heavy gauge copper lines. The replacement and repair costs are estimated at $17,850, not including the loss of service to local homes and businesses. The cut lines weighed hundreds of pounds, suggesting the suspect likely utilized a vehicle to transport the heavy metal to a scrap yard.

Metal theft, particularly of copper wiring, has escalated across the metro area due to the rising price of scrap copper. Law enforcement has been working alongside utility providers to step up patrols and monitor local recycling centers, where thieves frequently attempt to sell stolen industrial materials.

Call for Public Assistance

Atlanta Police have released descriptions of the suspect and are reviewing security footage from nearby properties. Detectives urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity involving utility poles or unmarked commercial vehicles in the area on the night of March 30 to contact the APD Property Crimes Unit or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Atlanta.

Under Georgia law, copper theft from utility infrastructure is classified as a felony, carrying stiff penalties due to the risk it poses to public safety and emergency services. Authorities are offering a reward for any information leading to an arrest.