TOWER. Part of the structure was stolen, and cut marks are visible at the site.

The village of São Sebastião has once again been targeted by acts of vandalism in recent days. After traffic signs were stolen, cables and other equipment from a telecommunications tower have now been taken.

According to information gathered by DI (Díario Insular newspaper), and as shown in the published photographs, one of the supporting legs of a telecommunications tower was removed. Visible marks also indicate attempts to cut other parts of the structure.

Cables containing copper were also stolen, along with other equipment, affecting the tower’s operation and leaving that area of Terceira Island without mobile network communications.

The situation has reportedly been restored, but communications are still experiencing some disruptions, according to residents.

DI attempted to obtain further information from MEO, the operator that owns the telecommunications tower, but by press time had received no response to the written questions submitted. It should be recalled that prior to these acts of vandalism, nearly one hundred traffic signs had already been stolen across Terceira Island.

The case has been handed over to the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP). When questioned yesterday by DI, the Delegate for Public Works on Terceira Island, Otília Martins, said she still had no updates regarding the identification of those responsible.

The thefts began mainly in the parishes of São Sebastião and Porto Judeu and later spread to Via Vitorino Nemésio.

“They are cutting the lower part with an angle grinder. The signs themselves were dumped into a ravine in Contendas, in São Sebastião,” Otília Martins told DI in mid-November.

In addition to stealing traffic signs, the perpetrators also removed metal from plates on bridges leading to parallel roads along Via Vitorino Nemésio.

“It is a public crime. We are concerned that road safety is being jeopardized. It is a safety issue for both residents and tourists,” Otília Martins warned at the time.

DAMAGE. Vandalism disrupted mobile network communications.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.