Detroit (WWJ)  -- Copper and wire theft continues to be a problem in Southeast Michigan, so a group of law enforcers have launched a new public awareness campaign. 

Wayne County, Oakland County and Macomb County Sheriffs joined with AT&T and Crimestoppers of Southeastern Michigan in urging the public for assistance in stopping thieves.

AT&T reported a 140 percent increase in copper theft in Michigan FROM 2006 to 2007.  Authorities say copper cable thefts can cause electric and telephone service outages for entire neighborhoods, impacting hundreds and even thousands of customers. Power outages can knock out traffic signals, posing a serious traffic safety threat. And, in the event of an emergency, affected telephone customers are not able to call 9-1-1 for assistance.

"Stealing telephone and electric service cables is presenting an incredibly hazardous situation for our residents and our neighborhoods," said Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans.  "This issue goes beyond being just a simple property crime because of the impact it has on our neighborhoods, businesses and homeland security."

"We want people to watch and see what's going on out there and if they see something that just doesn't look right, they have that gut feeling something isn't right, you're probably correct.  Go with your instinct and make that call.  Law enforcement will respond," Macomb Sheriff Mark Hackel told WWJ's Florence Walton. 

The public campaign includes new billboards on highways in the tri-county area to draw attention and encourage action around copper theft.  The billboard is direct in its message that copper theft is a crime: "Steal Wire? Steal Copper? Steel Bars." 

Rewards are also being offered for people who turn in businesses that buy stolen copper.   Anyone with information should call 1-800-SPEAK-UP

Calls to the hotline are anonymous; there is a reward up to $1000 if there is an arrest based on this information.