An attempted copper theft has led to significant disruptions in telecommunications services in Saguenay. The incident occurred around midnight when a representative from Vidéotron contacted the Saguenay Police Service (SPS) to report a loss in telecommunications.
Copper Theft Attempt Causes Telecommunications Outage
Initial checks by SPS officers failed to uncover any immediate issues. However, by approximately 1:30 a.m., Bell reported similar problems with their telecommunications services. Investigators discovered that cables had been severed at the intersection of Boulevard Saguenay Ouest and Rue du Pont.
Investigation Overview
- The SPS is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Authorities suspect this was an attempted copper theft that did not succeed.
- In telecommunications lines, there is no copper; thus, the perpetrators left the cut wires behind.
According to Caroline Darveau, a spokesperson for the SPS, this method is commonly used for stealing copper. She explained that culprits often cut sections of line to access valuable materials. However, in this case, the targeted wires did not contain any copper, rendering the theft ineffective.
Financial Impact of the Incident
Estimated damages from this copper theft attempt exceed $100,000. As of the latest updates, telecommunications services for several subscribers in the Jonquière area had not yet been restored.
This incident highlights ongoing issues with copper theft, affecting community services and causing significant financial losses.
