Thieves stole over 400 pounds of copper fixtures from KATY’s (Temecula 101.3) antenna at Inspiration Point in Idyllwild.
Bill McNulty, KATY general manager, is assisting law enforcement with evidence that could lead to identification of the thieves. The station will be offering a reward that would be paid if information provided leads to arrest and conviction of any one of the thieves.
The thieves stole copper pieces of the KATY antenna (three bays of a four bay ERI antenna system, see photo) valued at over $20,000. Each of the pieces weighed around 100 pounds. They were stored inside the fenced area at the KATY transmitter site. McNulty discovered the theft on a routine inspection of the site on August 8. Part of the fence surrounding the antenna site had been cut, the part of the fencing on the downhill side facing the Idyllwild Arts campus.
McNulty filed a police report, a deputy came, made an inspection and collected evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Hemet Station front desk (951) 791-3412 or dispatch at (951) 776-1099. See picture for image of one of the copper antenna items stolen.
