I’ve seen guys put a lot of work into getting a very small amount of copper. I’ve also see them be total idiots and cut the copper out and leave it taking cheaper metals. Stupid thieves seems a lot more plausible that terrorist plot to me. Terrorists are out for blood, big showy displays of parts, not minor inconveniences.
My ISP has been out of commission all day and has thousands of customers in my area. This ain’t small-time crime, here.