A man was arrested for a series of copper cable thefts from essential telecommunications infrastructure throughout San Mateo County, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Between Feb. 1 and March 18, there were 11 reported copper cable thefts involving telecommunications infrastructure in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction including Half Moon Bay, La Honda, Portola Valley and Woodside. The thefts have amounted to approximately 2,800 feet of stolen copper wire, valued at more than $225,000, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
On March 23, at around 4:15 a.m., an additional theft occurred on the 4000 block of Sand Hill Road in Woodside. Sheriff’sdeputies quickly identified a suspect vehicle through the use of Automated License Plate Reader technology. Sheriff’sdetectives who had been working leads in the case tracked the vehicle to a scrap metal facility where the suspect sold the copper cable. Through cooperation from the facility, the Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 53-year-old Michael Galbreath of Union City. On March 24, South San Francisco police officers located and stopped Galbreath’s vehicle. Sheriff’s Office detectives responded and arrested Galbreath. A search of the vehicle revealed additional copper cable, evidence, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Galbreath, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing ammunition, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone reports unusual activity by calling the Sheriff’s Office nonemergency line at (650) 363-4911, or dial 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (800) 547-2700.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.