A Mississippi sheriff’s department arrested two people for allegedly stealing copper utility lines, leaving customers without service.

On March 12, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office received a report of someone cutting down copper lines from an AT&T telephone pole around Concord Road. When deputies arrived on scene, they found more than one-tenth of a mile of missing wire from the poles.

This week, detectives received a Crime Stoppers tip pointing detectives in the right direction. Acting on the anonymous tip, detectives responded to 626 Baptist Campground Road, with search warrant in hand, and found evidence of the crime. Detectives found insulation that had allegedly been removed from the copper wire at the residence. The removed insulation was found in an empty swimming pool located at the residence.

Now detectives have arrested a pair, without incident, for allegedly stealing the copper wire from the AT&T site.

Officers arrested 45-year-old William Robert Hannah and 50-year-old Stephanie Rena Plowman, both living at the residence, and charged them with Grand Larceny. The estimated value of the stolen copper was near $16,000.

Upon further investigation, detectives said recycling companies in the area have reported multiple sales, by the duo, of more than 800 pounds of copper. The current price of bare bright wire is approximately $3.55 per pound.

“This is a great example of how important community involvement can be in solving crimes. If you see something, say something and together, we can keep our citizens safe. We now look forward to holding these two accountable for their actions.” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said.

Anyone with knowledge of this case is asked to please contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at 662-328-6788 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151 or access the P3-Tips app. Callers will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers. Callers are eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.