HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 25-0027INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0027
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
February 4, 2025
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: METAL THEFT UNIT UPDATE — AT&T TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CABLE THEFT
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of a trending crime that significantly impacts
our community: the theft of telecommunications wire owned by AT&T. This crime disrupts vital
communication services, affecting residents' safety and the operations of local businesses. Other
companies, such as Charter Spectrum, have also been impacted by thieves who mistakenly
target their cables, believing them to be AT&T wires.
In recent months, Fort Worth, along with cities across the nation, has experienced a dramatic rise
in telecommunications wire theft. This trend not only imposes financial burdens on companies like
AT&T but also threatens public safety by disrupting critical infrastructure. Thousands of residents
have suffered service interruptions, impacting internet and telephone connectivity and creating
vulnerabilities in emergency response, medical support, and everyday business operations.
Following the 88th Texas Legislature's strengthened law for theft of catalytic converter, thieves
have increasingly turned to other regulated metals, particularly telecommunications cable
mounted on utility poles. With millions of miles of this critical infrastructure spanning towns across
the nation, the cables have become easy targets. The theft of telecommunications wire frequently
results in prolonged service outages, disrupting 911 availability, flood control/weather warnings,
medical devices, business operations, and virtually every facet of daily life for our residents.
Fort Worth Metal Theft Statistics:
In the past two years, Fort Worth has experienced a significant spike in metal theft. In a two-year
comparison between October 29, 2020 - October 29, 2022, compared to October 30, 2022 -
October 29, 2024, Fort Worth experienced a 545% increase in reported AT&T cable theft and a
53% overall increase in all metal theft.
The FWPD Metal Theft Unit (MTU) has taken the following steps to address this growing crime:
1. Enforcement Efforts: In 2024, Fort Worth Police Department has identified and arrested
over 20 individuals for crimes involving metal theft.
2. Increased Collaboration: A collaborative workgroup has been established by Mayor Pro
Tern Bivens and Officer Ben Wright with the focus being theft of AT&T cable.
The workgroup consists of Chief Neil Noakes, the Fort Worth Police Metal Theft Unit,
AT&T executive management, representatives from the City of Fort Worth's Transportation
and Public Works department, the Fort Worth Police PRO Team, and the Code
Compliance department. This collaborative group is focused on sharing important
information and ideas to combat the theft of critical infrastructure in the city.
The Fort Worth Police Metal Theft Unit is working closely with the Code Compliance Unit
and Real Time Crime Center internally and other neighboring law enforcement agencies to
identify and apprehend thieves.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0027
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 4, 2025
Page 2 of 2
i
i7 Y
SUBJECT: METAL THEFT UNIT UPDATE — AT&T TELECOMMUNICATIONS
rrn CABLE THEFT
Officers from the Metal Theft Unit will participate in the inaugural Summit on Protecting
Critical Communications Infrastructure, organized by leading industry associations, to
explore actionable solutions for mitigating threats to communication infrastructure.
3. Inspections of Recycling Facilities: Officers from the Metal Theft Unit have carried out
numerous inspections at recycling facilities throughout the city to ensure adherence to
state laws and local ordinances. During these inspections, the officers also provided
education about telecommunication wire theft. This proactive approach has helped foster
strong relationships with local business management, significantly contributing to the
collective effort to combat metal theft.
4. Enhanced State Legislation: The Metal Theft Unit is actively pursuing a range of
legislative measures designed to combat the growing issue of metal theft. This initiative
includes the introduction of new laws to strengthen legal frameworks, the implementation
of stricter regulations to govern the metal recycling industry, and the establishment of more
severe penalties for individuals who are repeat offenders. By taking these steps, the unit
aims to create a more effective deterrent against metal theft and safeguard valuable
resources within the community.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Working with the Fort Worth Police Department's PRO
Team to implement initiatives that educate the public on the implications of metal theft and
promote the reporting of suspicious activities.
Attached are statistics related to metal theft, including thefts of AT&T cables, for your
review. These statistics emphasize the seriousness of this rising crime trend, which is
detrimental to communities in Fort Worth.
Your support in advancing these efforts is crucial for protecting Fort Worth's critical
infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of our city.
If you have any questions, please contact Sergeant Anthony White at (817) 392-4630 or
Commander Randy Molina at (817) 392-4604.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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Appendix
October 29, 2020-October 29, 2022
22 Cases of AT&T Cable Thefts
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Month/ Year -
AT&T CABLE THEFT REPORTS BY DIVISION
Count of Division
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7 6
6
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4 3 3
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0 ■ ■
Central East Division North Division Northwest South Division West Division
Division Division
Appendix
October 30, 2022-October 29, 2024
566 Copper Thefts Unrelated to AT&T Cable Thefts
Count of Month/Date
40 38 38
35 33
32 32
30 28 28
26 26 25 25
25 24 24 23
22
20 20 19 19
17
15 14 15
15 13
10
10
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Month/date
METAL THEFT REPORTS BY DIVISION
Count of aivisian
200 184
180
160
140
120 112
103
100
80
60 54 58 54
40
20
0
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Appendix
October 30, 2022-October 29, 2024
Count of MonthfYear
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
142 Cases of AT&T Cable Thefts
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AT&T CABLE THEFT REPORTS BY DIVISION
Count of Division
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
27
26
11
1 ■ 2
Central East Division North Division Northwest South Division West Division
Division Division