Videotron says metal thieves are costing it millions of dollars a year in manpower and line replacement expenses.  

Videotron's cables often share the same poles as Hydro Quebec wires so thieves grab what they can eventhough the cable company's wires are often fibre optic.  

One episode of thieving last December in the Sherbrooke area cut Videotron service to thousands of homes and businesses for 18 hours.  The company is offering a reward for information leading the the arrest of those responsible.