AUSTIN, Texas — Telecommunications provider AT&T is offering a substantial reward to anyone who can provide information related to a series of copper thefts in the Austin area.
The company says it will pay $10,000 to anyone who can provide specific and detailed information that leads to an arrest and subsequent conviction for copper cable thefts or the attempted sale or purchase of stolen AT&T copper cable in Austin.
The thefts have impacted the company's critical network infrastructure, which in turn has led to numerous outages in the area.
Copper is a raw metal that conducts electricity and is extremely flexible, making it very valuable.
AT&T said it is working with the Austin Police Department (APD) on solving the thefts. The company said the public should report any unmarked (non-AT&T) vehicles or individuals seen cutting and removing cable.
Tipsters with information can remain anonymous and should contact APD and AT&T:
- To provide information regarding thefts that are actively occurring, in which case they should contact 911.
- To provide tips and leads regarding thefts previously committed, contact APD Detective Rocky Reeves at (512) 974-5308 or APDCommericalBurglary@austintexas.gov.
- After contacting APD, tipsters should call AT&T Global Security & Investigations at (800) 807‐4205.
The company's reward is valid for leads received by Nov. 1, 2025.