Over $1 million in losses have been reported as dozens of pieces of equipment that provide internet and telephone services to people in Virginia Beach were damaged or destroyed, according to court records.

Police records indicate people are trying to steal copper for money, and Verizon says it's a dangerous crime that threatens public safety.

Court records outline that since June, Verizon has been receiving calls about boxes called pedestals being broken into throughout Virginia Beach.

These pedestals contain wires that run underground for internet and phone service. There have been 72 Verizon pedestals damaged with copper stolen from them throughout the city, with an estimated loss to Verizon of over $1 million, according to the records.

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