Full Breakdown
Copper Wire Thefts Disrupt Phone and Internet Service Across West Sonoma County
4/30/2026, 12:14:59 PM
Theft Spree Targets AT&T Utility Poles
Since February 2026, deputies in Sonoma County have documented multiple incidents in which unknown individuals cut AT&T utility poles, stripped protective coating, and removed copper wiring, leaving the outer casing behind. The thefts have caused phone and broadband outages in the county’s western region.
Timeline and Scope
Reports began in early February and have continued through late April, with deputies noting “numerous” calls from rural patrols. The affected towns include Petaluma, Windsor, Sebastopol, Graton, Forestville and Freestone.
Service Impact and Costs
Residents have lost telephone and internet service for periods ranging from days to up to two weeks. AT&T estimates statewide copper-theft losses at $32 million in 2026 and cites an average of 200 incidents per week nationwide.
Law-Enforcement and Company Statements
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to stay vigilant overnight and report suspicious vehicles to dispatch (707-565-2121) or via the Silent Witness tip line. An AT&T spokesperson emphasized that the primary concern is the disruption of essential communications for customers, beyond the financial loss.
Resident Experience
Calls to the Press Democrat reveal frustration over prolonged outages, with some customers noting AT&T’s description of the events as “vandalism.” Households report that loss of connectivity hampers daily communication and business operations.
Community Criticism
Local residents and officials criticize the lack of progress in identifying perpetrators and call for increased patrols and cooperation with scrap-metal dealers to deter future thefts.
Conflicting Accounts and Gaps
AT&T labels the incidents “vandalism,” while the sheriff’s office frames them as copper-theft. No suspects have been publicly identified, and the exact number of customers affected remains undisclosed. The $32 million cost figure lacks a regional breakdown, leaving the specific impact on Sonoma County unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In these incidents, unknown suspect(s) have reportedly cut down the lines, stripped the protective coating, and removed the copper wiring inside, often leaving the outer casing behind,” — Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
- “Residents are urged to be vigilant overnight and to report any suspicious vehicles parked on roadways or in driveways to the sheriff’s office Dispatch Center at 707-565-2121.” — Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
- “But beyond the financial impact, the more serious issue is the disruption to connectivity for our customers,” — AT&T spokesperson
- “Copper theft can leave residents, businesses, and entire communities without reliable phone or internet service, affecting everything from daily communication to access to emergency services.” — AT&T spokesperson
What’s Next
The sheriff’s department continues to investigate, encouraging anonymous tips through Silent Witness. AT&T is repairing damaged lines and evaluating additional security measures for utility poles to prevent further outages.
