For the third time in a week, thieves have stolen copper telephone wire straight from the utility poles, cutting off another neighborhood without phone service, Innovative Telephone announced Tuesday.

Monday night, thieves stole 1,000 feet of 300-pair cable, leaving more than 175 telephone customers in Salt River Marina without telecommunication services, the utility said.

In the last week thieves also hit Estate Profit on Nov. 15, and Salt River and Upper Love on Nov. 18.

The Innovative news release noted the same areas are being targeted by these offenders and causing a major economic strain on the company’s resources. The company asked residents of St. Croix, especially those who reside in the stricken areas, to be very vigilant.

Purposeful disruption of telecommunication services is a federal offense because it may affect the ability of emergency responders and other individuals to communicate. Innovative has enlisted the aid of local and federal authorities in apprehending the perpetrators. Innovative officials are encouraging anyone with information concerning the theft to contact the local authorities.