ALPINE -- Deputies arrested nine people Saturday on suspicion of stealing phone wiring left by SBC Communications, Inc. to restore phone service at the scene of burned-out properties, sheriff's Lt. Lisa Miller said.

Miller said the thieves were going onto property recently burned in the Cedar fire, primarily the Harbison Canyon and Crest areas, and taking phone wiring so they can strip it to the copper wiring and redeem it for cash at East County recycling centers.

Poway Sgt. Anthony Giammarino said they also handled a case where SBC employees confronted some men taking wiring from property on Highway 67 on Saturday. The thieves tried to tell the SBC crew they were contractors and then quickly fled the area with about $9,000 worth of wiring, he said.

Anyone who observes such a theft should contact the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.