1. Somehow color code the lines , maybe on an excess length that could be shoved back through the box entrance a couple inches , there-by facilitating difficult identification to the cable thief . This could be incorperated with a door tag , or customer mail-out reminding them that cable theft is a federal offense , that evidence of tampering and theft has been discovered , and further violations will be prosecuted .
2. Get a label maker , and bar code the lines . Again , this will be confusing to the untrained individual who does not have the proper " bar code key " . Include the same list of actions as included above .
3. Check into RadioID chips. I am not sure if there R&D have reached the point of application to your problem , but , the technology is already in use . Again , include above list of actions .
4. Install new tamper-proof boxes combined with High security locking devices . Limit the availability of key or unlocking device to a minimum of personnel , and initiate mandatory inventory of keys or unlocking devices with full reporting and severe penalties for violation of procedures . Costly , but , so is loss of revenue fron cable theft .
There are some cable-tv providers who will investigate and prosecute the thieves when provided with good evidence of violations reported properly by thier field service personnel . I have always documented all observations and appearences of theft or tampering on the work order . I believe that fulfills my responsibility to the problem . Keep a copy of the work order/dispatch sheet of the location ( genaral address or building number , lock box location ) without violating any consumer privacy laws ( specific address or customer identifable information ) . If you have documented the problems/violations on the work order with the complete information given to the provider , IMO , you now have some bargaining power to request additional service call fees to the problem location until the situation has been rectified by the system . It is my understanding that all FCC Guidelines and Regulations apply , in this matter of Frequency Theft and Tampering .
Hope you are able to solve your problem efficiently and economically . Though my opinion may not mean much , FYI , I believe this post should have been under Technical .
