AT&T offering reward for information on copper thefts that affect Valley service for customers

PHOENIX - AT&T customers may have noticed poor reception lately after a string of copper thefts from cell towers in the Phoenix area.

AT&T reports that there have been 20 attacks on the Phoenix network this year, including thefts of copper from cell sites in the area.

Crews do their best to work quickly to repair the sites as soon as they are noticed, though customers may have been left unable to make calls or without mobile internet.

"AT&T takes this matter very seriously," said Jerry Fuentes, AT&T Arizona and New Mexico state president in a news release. "These are not just attacks against AT&T's network, they are attacks on our wireless customers living in these communities who are often left isolated and unable to seek help or assistance during emergencies.  We're hoping the reward will motivate people in Phoenix to be more alert and to pay close attention to any suspicious people who appear to be working on our cell sites."

The company is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the tampered sites.

They are hoping that residents and customers will report any suspicious activity seen to law enforcement or AT&T at 1-800-807-4205.

Copper theft is a widely-known issue throughout the country, but Tempe Police are applauding AT&T for taking steps to control the crime.