PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Copper theft cases have more than doubled in the Phoenix area since last year, with thieves targeting local businesses and neighborhoods by stealing from utility boxes, street lights, parks and construction sites, according to local utility companies.

The crimes are cutting off internet service and putting hospital patients at risk.

Daniel Chason, who runs CenturyLink’s theft and vandalism unit, said many crimes are committed by thieves posing as utility workers in broad daylight with fake uniforms and fake signs on their cars.

“They pull up to the road outside of your house, they put a cone in the yard. They put their orange vest on. They put their hard hat on. They look like a contractor. Guys if they are not in one of (CenturyLink) trucks, they are not one of ou

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