Due to the theft of copper wire Sunday night from Innovative’s outside plant telecommunication facilities on St. Croix, more than 200 subscribers experienced a telecommunication and Internet service outage in in the Salt River Marina and Gentle Winds Condos areas.

Four spans of 300 pair copper cable were stolen, according to a release from Innovative, which indicated its outside plant technical team was onsite and would continue to work until service is restored.

Matt Muckelbauer, Innovative senior vice president and chief technology officer said, “Instances of copper theft cause a major economic strain on the company’s resources, irreparable damage to the existing plant and frustration to our customers. St. Croix residents are asked to be very vigilant,” he added.

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 both the local and federal authorities in apprehending these perpetrators. Innovative officials encouraged anyone with information concerning the theft to contact the local authorities.

For cable TV or phone repairs, Innovative customers calling from landlines should dial 912. Customers using wireless phones can reach the repair center at (340) 778-1742. Please have available the telephone number, statement number, address, description of problem and brief directions.

For assistance, Innovative PowerNet customers should call (340) 714-3700. Innovative customers may also report a service problem online by logging on to www.innovativevi.net, clicking on the “Contact Us” button at the top right of the home page and selecting “Repair Center” as the subject in the “Submit An Inquiry” section. Customers may also e-mail their report directly to the following address: [email protected].