Ridgway Township, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the theft of about 150 feet of copper wire and three copper ground plates valued at approximately $12,000 from a cell tower near Shelvey Summit Road in Elk County.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop C – Ridgway Station, the theft involved components that would not trigger electrocution or system failure, suggesting the suspects had technical knowledge of the tower’s operation.
Investigators noted that similar copper thefts have been reported in neighboring counties, raising concern that the incidents may be connected. Copper wire thefts have been on the rise across Pennsylvania due to increasing metal prices, often leading to costly infrastructure repairs and potential communication disruptions.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the PSP Ridgway Station at (814) 776-6136, call the PSP Tips line toll-free at 1-800-472-8477, or submit tips online at p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.
Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest or case resolution. PSP emphasized that reward funds come from asset forfeiture, not taxpayer money.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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