Boardman police investigating theft of copper cables from cellphone tower

BOARDMAN — Township police are investigating the theft of copper cables taken from a Verizon cellphone tower. 

A Verizon employee from a network operations location on Southern Boulevard reported to police Monday that someone cut the copper ground cable and grounding bar from a tower and took both items. The estimated damage is $2,500. 

The employee told police the stolen items protect the cell tower and wiring from lighting strikes, and that the removal of them would require some expertise.