Investigation Underway in Polk County Following Fiber Optic Line Thefts

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into a series of felony incidents involving the cutting of above-ground fiber optic lines. The incidents occurred between November 2023 and January 2024 in Polk County, particularly around State Highway 146 South and US Highway 59 South.

The motive behind the vandalism appears to be the theft of copper contained within the fiber optic lines. Copper can be stripped and sold to scrap yards, and under Texas law (Texas Penal Code 31.03. Theft), the theft of copper, aluminum, bronze, or brass constitutes an automatic felony charge.

Sheriff Bryon Lyons is urging anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Individuals who may have witnessed the vandalism or have knowledge related to the case are encouraged to contact Lieutenant Craig Finegan of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 936-329-9028.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through p3tips.com, the P3 App, or by calling Polk County Crime Stoppers at 936-327-STOP. Providing valuable information that leads to an arrest may make tipsters eligible for a cash reward.

The investigation is ongoing.