Police say thieves are ripping off utility-grade metal, like the ones used as AT&T communications cables. It's a lucrative crime, with some thieves pocketing up to $40,000.

Three people were recently arrested in connection with the theft of over 150 pounds of copper wire, according to a news release from Fort Worth police. Officers responded to a suspicious person call in the 2900 block of Shamrock Avenuve on Jan. 20, where it was reported that three people appeared to remove copper cable from a building.