In the middle of the night an unknown intruder cut several guy wires supporting a wireless transmission tower in the hills east of Oakland (Calif.) used by law enforcement, fire, alarm and power agencies. A group of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies is investigating the sabotage. Damage to the facility was estimated at $1 million. The agencies have not yet determined if the damage was simple—but serious—vandalism, or was done for some specific criminal purpose. Principal among the users of the 200-foot tower is the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, the East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay Regional Communications System Authority and Contra Costa County. The agencies provide public safety services over a wide region that includes the East Bay and Diablo Valley. Spokesmen for those agencies said their radio gear at the tower is part of multi-site systems, so public safety communications was never disrupted. Other tower users include the regional electric, gas and water utilities, a large alarm company and a regional bus district. When the tower fell, it damaged radio antennas, transmitters and microwave dishes. Officials said nine of 11 steel guy wires were cut, indicating those responsible came prepared. The tower is sited at the 2,000-foot crest of a hill in a regional park. Officials said the surrounding area is open to the public, but sturdy gates prevent vehicle access. The site is surrounded by tall fencing and barbed wire. Dispatchers received an alarm early Tuesday morning that the site had gone off-line. Technicians discovered the damage when they investigated. So far, there are no leads as to who did the damage or why.
0 comments… add one
You must log in to post a comment. Log in now.