Elderly Struggle After Copper Theft

In Dallas, a growing epidemic of copper theft is leaving residents like 78-year-old Daisy Joe without reliable landline service. Joe, who prefers not to use a cell phone, has been forced to carry one due to the repeated thefts of copper phone lines in her neighborhood. She expressed her fears about falling and being unable to call for help, highlighting the anxiety that comes with the loss of traditional communication methods. The issue has escalated to the point where criminals are employing sophisticated tactics, including wearing fake hard hats and vests to blend in while they climb utility poles to steal copper wires. Garland police have reported an increase in these incidents, indicating a troubling trend in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Joe has reached out to AT&T multiple times for assistance, but the ongoing thefts have left her and others in similar situations without a solution. AT&T has acknowledged the problem, stating that they are collaborating with local law enforcement to address the issue. The company is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in copper thefts. They emphasize the challenges in maintaining service quality, as the equipment needed to repair the damaged infrastructure is becoming increasingly difficult to source. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to local authorities or AT&T Global Security. The community remains hopeful for a resolution to restore their essential communication services.