Telus lines have been targeted by cable thieves in Abbotsford, according to police, who say the crimes caused more than $100,000 in damage and affected people’s ability to call 911.

The Abbotsford Police Department, in a news release Tuesday, said there has been an “increase” in these incidents over the past few weeks.

“AbbyPD reminds Abbotsford residents that all Telus employees or contractors working on telecommunications overhead lines will be operating vehicles and equipment that may be fully identifiable to the organizations they belong to,” the police statement said.

“AbbyPD encourages the public to report suspicious activity on or around telecommunications overhead lines in their neighborhoods to police.”

The department is appealing for dashcam video from the area of ​​the two most recent thefts. The dates, times and locations from which investigators are requesting videos are:

• Thursday, October 17, between 5 and 7:30 on McCallum Road between McConnell and Vye roads.
• Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 4 to 7:30 a.m. on Sumas Mountain Road between McKee and Dawson roads.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police by email at [email protected].