The rise in the market price of copper is suspected to be a major factor in the recent rash of copper telephone cable thefts in Floyd County.

Officials with AT&T are seeking information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who are responsible for the vandalism of the company’s telephone cables.

“AT&T is taking this matter very seriously,” said David McFaddin, regional manager of legislative and external affairs for AT&T in Kentucky. “We are working with local law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for the crimes are apprehended and punished.”

According to information released by AT&T, nearly 20 thefts have occurred in the past several weeks in Floyd County.

“Tampering with phone lines that the public uses to place emergency telephone calls or to request emergency assistance is a serious crime,” McFaddin said.

AT&T is currently working with law enforcement and scrap metal dealers in Prestonsburg and throughout the county.

According to a representative of Mr. Metal Recycling in Allen, the business is currently offering $2 per pound for un-cleaned and un-graded copper, while the price at other recycling dealers may be higher for copper that is cleaned and graded.

Shop owners, employees and anyone with information on the recent copper thefts are urged to call AT&T Asset Protection at (800) 807-4205, or the Kentucky State Police at (606) 433-7711.