Embarq (News - Alert) Corporation – provider of a complete suite of communications services such as reliable local- and long-distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network – has initiated the process of halting communications cable theft. Embarq, on its attempt to bring a full stop on communication cable theft, follows Roman philosopher Seneca’s words, “He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it.” It also seeks the cooperation of Texas residents in stopping the crime that affects the entire community.

 

Crime Stoppers of Houston and EMBARQ are offering a total reward of up to $6,000 for information called in to the 713-222-8477 tips hotline that leads to the identification, arrest and charging of anyone stealing the company's live traffic-carrying cable, primarily copper, in the Houston area. EMBARQ has more than 200,000 residential and business customers in Texas. This is the third serving area where EMBARQ has offered a reward for cable theft, the other two being in Las Vegas, Nev., and in Warren, Ohio in 2007.

 

"Crime Stoppers pays up to $5,000 for information called in to the 713-222-8477 tips hotline that leads to the identification, arrest and charging of any felony suspects, and we are pleased that EMBARQ is sweetening the reward," said Katherine Cabaniss, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. "Their additional reward takes our efforts to a higher level. It is our hope that those who would steal copper will think twice, and those who would normally look the other way will become more actively involved in protecting the community."

 

"When people steal cable, it puts the entire community at risk," said Jim Hansen (News - Alert), senior vice president of Network Services at EMBARQ. "Cutting cable can cut emergency communications which affects everyone. Imagine having a loved one suddenly in need of emergency medical assistance, only to find communications services don't work because someone just cut the cable to steal the copper. This is a threat to everyone."

 

Communication cable theft is hugely due to the copper which is sold as scrap for recycling. This has incurred loss of more than $130,000 for Embarq during the last 12 months in Houston. To stop this and other issues related to this, Embarq has asked citizens to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS where they remain anonymous.