Suspected copper wire thieves caught trying to break into Marysville communications tower
MARYSVILLE -- Police were able to catch two suspected thieves before they took down vital communication systems in Snohomish County.
The suspects were allegedly trying to steal copper wire from a radio tower. If they had been successful, they could have knocked out the system that helps connect 911 calls.
A SNOPAC 911 dispatcher was looking at surveillance cameras around a communications radio tower at 9 p.m. Monday. When she saw a man trying to cut through one of the security fences, she contacted Marysville police.
“That enabled our officers to respond appropriately,” said Marysville Police Lt. Mark Thomas. “We quietly got ourselves in the area.”
Police said they believe the man and his accomplice were trying to steal copper wire from the tower. They were stopped before they were able to do any damage. But if they had knocked the tower offline, law enforcement agencies throughout north Snohomish County would have been in trouble.
“This could have been a very bad event, had someone had a medical emergency and SNOPAC not been able to contact fire and get them there.”
People who live nearby are scared at the thought of losing 911 service, because of thieves.
“That’d be terrifying, just in case something happens,” said Felicia Light, who lives near the tower. “You never know what happens.”
“People need to get a hold of the police if something bad happens,” added Randy Webb.
This isn’t the first time copper wire thieves have caused serious disruptions.
Last month, more than 2,000 people in south Kitsap County lost power when thieves trying to get copper wire mistakenly stole 200 feet of underground fiber optic cables. Thieves in Tacoma have hit more than 50 streetlights in the last year. Phone lines in Everett have also been targeted in the past.
Police believe thieves are trying to make a quick buck, selling whatever copper they get at scrap metal recycling places.
“I honestly don’t think they give much thought to the potential downstream effect of their actions.”
The two suspects who police arrested are facing felony burglary charges. Police are now investigating whether they might be responsible for any other copper wire thefts in the area.