Police look to the public for help in copper thieves ID

Mingo County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying the driver and suspect(s) connected to a stolen telephone line found on Calico Mountain in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County.

WVOW News

BEECH CREEK  Mingo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a weekend copper theft on Calico Mountain in the Beech Creek area. Deputies say it is part of a growing pattern across Mingo County.

Authorities say a phone line was discovered cut and stripped of copper Saturday morning. A theft like this can be responsible for leaving residents without service and potentially unable to reach 911.

Investigators believe suspects may be using trail systems and off-road paths to access and steal the lines for resale.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office 304-235-0300.

PHOTO | Mingo County Sheriff's Office

Police say the critical telephone infrastructure was compromised when thieves stole the phone line andn stripped it of its copper innards. Now police are asking for the public's help in identifying the culprits.