Copper wiring used for landlines and internet in Hacienda Heights has been stolen multiple times since April, bringing down phone and web services for the area, according to fed-up residents.
The problem was highlighted at a Nov. 18 meeting between members of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association and Frontier Communications representatives including Douglas McAllister, Frontier Communications External Affairs Vice President.
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“He got to hear very frustrated residents all voice their concerns and their frustrations with what’s been happening,” says Alitzah Wiener, HHIA board member and new media person. “We understand that the copper wire theft isn’t Frontier’s issue, right? But it’s the lack of communication.”
Wire theft has been an issue in the area since at least October according to meeting minutes, but Wiener says the problem started even earlier, in April.
Lt. Peter Gomez, a rep from the City of Industry’s Sheriff Station, says the recent thefts and their effect on the community have moved the case to the department’s Major Crimes Bureau. He adds that residents should be vigilant, and if they, “see something, say something,” by calling the department.
Los Angeles also spoke to a detective from the Sheriff department’s Major Crimes Bureau looking into the thefts as “crimes against infrastructure.” He says they are addressing the thefts aggressively and putting the needed resources behind the investigation.