RCMP in Kitscoty say an overnight theft of wiring has knocked multiple communications systems off the air in the area.
Shortly before 7 a.m. Mar. 12, officers were called to a broadcast tower within the Kitscoty detachment area.
The tower hosts transmission equipment for GOAT 106.1 FM as well as some communications used by the County of Vermilion River.
Police say a large amount of wire was taken from the site, causing the disruption to broadcasting signals from the location.
Officials note that cutting wiring at communications or power sites can be extremely dangerous, with a real risk of electrocution or fire.
In a social media post Thursday morning, GOAT 106.1 confirmed the damage due to the theft.
“Our transmitter site was vandalized badly and in the process we are unable to broadcast via 106.1 FM,” the station wrote.
“Our engineering team is currently assessing the extent of the damage and actively working with RCMP. We will be off air terrestrially for an unknown period of time.”
The station noted its online stream remains operational.
The County of Vermilion River has not announced any service disruptions related to loss of communications.
RCMP say the investigation is continuing.
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