Thousands of Los Angeles-area Spectrum customers report outages after fiber lines cut in Van Nuys

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of Spectrum customers across Los Angeles and Ventura counties reported outages on Sunday. Many have said they have been without internet for hours.

According to the internet provider, the outage was caused by a criminal act of vandalism.

Spectrum said the vandal or vandals cut the fiber optics lines in multiple places in Van Nuys. The company said the cut wires were left on the ground because they don't have any copper inside.

Workers are trying to repair the issue, but there is no estimated time for when it will be fully restored.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused. Thank you," Spectrum wrote on social media.

In an update later Sunday evening, Spectrum said the majority of customers who were affected had their service restored. The internet provider said crews are not completely done with the repairs due to the multiple cuts to the lines. Extra crews were brought in as they continue to work overtime to get the repairs done.

In a statement, Spectrum said it is working with the Los Angeles Police Department, and there is a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

"Criminal acts of network vandalism have become an issue affecting the entire telecommunications industry, not just Spectrum, largely due to the increase in the price of precious metals. These acts of vandalism are not only a crime, but also affect our customers, local businesses and potentially emergency services. Spectrum's fiber lines do not include any copper," Spectrum's statement read, in part. "We are working with the Los Angeles Police Department on this crime and are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information on this act of vandalism can contact Spectrum at 833-404-TIPS(8477) or reach out to local law enforcement."