BROADWING HIT HARD IN ROBBERY.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

PALMDALE - Thieves used a security code to break into a telecommunications company office, where they stole $800,000 in high-tech equipment, authorities said Monday.

The burglars took only the most expensive equipment in the Sunday night incident at Broadwing Communications, leading authorities to speculate that employees or subcontractors may be involved.

``The suspects left behind two other units that were not in working order. However, they would have been valued at $200,000 had they been operational, which leads the informant to believe the suspects were current employees,'' deputies said in a statement.

The burglars made away with eight $100,000 computer cards used to amplify data and voice signals. Hundreds of other pieces of equipment valued at $25,000 or less were left behind, along with two other amplification cards that were damaged as the burglars tried to remove them, officials said.

Detectives said several subcontractors work at Broadwing, located in the 37900 block of 6th Street East, and have access to the security code.

Broadwing Communications is an integrated communications company that produces voice, data and Internet products for commercial and residential use. It also provides Internet and telephone service and handles military communications.

Company officials did not return phone calls.