Theft of cable service is a serious matter. It impacts you as well as us. Think about it. Not only do thieves take a service they should be paying us for, but those individuals who steal cable can affect legitimate customers who subscribe to Bresnan's services.

Stealing cable can affect your picture quality when unauthorized connections are made. And because Bresnan pays franchise fees to operate in your area - fees that may be used for schools, parks, or other municipal services - your local community loses revenue on cable services that are stolen.

Cable theft is against the law and cable companies do prosecute offenders. Sentences in federal and state theft of service cases have ranged from probation to 16 years in prison. Whether someone knowingly makes an illegal physical connection to the cable system or they simply receive service for which they are not paying, it's wrong.

Know someone who isn't paying for cable service? Report them online. It's simply the right thing to do.