FairPoint Motivating People to Turn In Copper Thieves

FairPoint Communications with NH headquarters in Manchester is offering rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions in copper thefts in northern New England.

This is a real and growing public safety concern, said Marc Lussier, senior manager security for FairPoint. It can cause loss of service for folks who need emergency services and there is the added concern that an untrained person removing cable could be injured.

Copper thefts are on the rise across the country due to increasing prices for metals. According to the Department of Energy, copper thefts account for almost $1 billion annually. FairPoint works closely with law enforcement partners in Maine, NH and Vermont to investigate the copper crimes. Lussier estimates copper thefts have exceeded $20,000 in Vermont alone this year. The company will offer up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those individuals responsible for these thefts, depending on the severity of the crime.

People are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency or Marc Lussier at FairPoint, 603.656.8222.

FairPoint Communications, Inc. (NasdaqCM: FRP) is a provider of broadband Internet access, local and long-distance phone, television and other high-capacity data services to customers in communities across 18 states.