HOUSTON – The communication lines running through neighborhoods and along freeways are a vital part of the country’s infrastructure.
Last year, 2 Investigates revealed that these lines are prime targets for thieves, disrupting everything from small businesses to the ability to dial 9-1-1.
KPRC 2 Investigator Robert Arnold spoke with Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare to learn more about the county’s partnership with the telecom industry to help tackle this crime.
Teare said his office is prioritizing these cases because this type of theft can wreak financial havoc on businesses, big and small.
The thieves are primarily after the copper in the communication lines crisscrossing communities.
Miguel Nunez, owner of Juanita’s Mexican Kitchen, knows the sting of this crime all too well. Last November, a thief cut the lines to his restaurant off Louetta.
“What do you think you lost in terms of just both physical damage and lack of being able to open at the time you wanted to?” Robert asked.
“Oh, easily over $100,000,” Nunez responded. He said the number reflects the costs associated with repairing the damage while still managing payroll and other bills.
“It’s a big crime that affects a lot of people because, at the end of the day, people live off of me,” Nunez said. “They depend on my business to make a living.”
Teare said the county has now partnered with Comcast to send a clear message to those cutting communication lines.
“Tampering with these cables is a crime I will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” Teare stated.
2 Investigates has shown that cutting these lines can impact everything from business operations to home internet access and the ability to connect with 9-1-1.
The number of cases is rising in both the local area and nationwide.
Teare plans to work with legislators to strengthen the law.
“As we go forward in the next legislative session, this needs to be a focus, and it will be from this office,” Teare said.
This is a welcome message for business owners like Nunez.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
“Does that make you happy to see that?” Robert asked. Nunez replied, “Yeah, bringing justice.”
Additionally, there is a bill currently working its way through the legislature that would increase penalties for brass and copper thefts impacting critical infrastructure.
S.B. 1646 has passed the Senate but has not yet passed the House.
