Fiber optic Internet cables in the San Francisco Bay area have been cut so often in the last year that the FBI is joining the investigation.
There have been 11 incidents of severed cables since July 6. The most recent was Tuesday in Alameda, California.
“Within the past year, cables were intentionally severed,” an FBI statement said. “The individuals may appear to be normal telecommunications maintenance workers or possess tools consistent with that job role.”
Most of the 11 cases are being treated as vandalism, FBI Special Agent Greg Wuthrich said. Local law enforcement agencies are investigating, but the FBI is coordinating efforts and taking the lead, according to Wuthrich.