KY Agencies Target Copper Wire Thieves Along Roads

Kentucky authorities are targeting copper thieves by offering rewards aimed at curtailing a rash of thefts that stripped copper wire from highway lighting systems.

Deputy State Highway Engineer Nancy Albright said Monday that copper thieves have caused at least $2 million in damage to highway lighting systems in the past four years. This year, thieves have pulled out copper wire from entrance and exit ramp lights at least 37 times along interstate highways.
 
She says those thefts are robbing the state's taxpayer-backed highway maintenance budget.

“In other words, motor-fuels tax money that Kentucky drivers pay at the pump – money that we need for such work as snow and ice removal, potholes and guardrail repair – instead has to be spent to remediate crime scenes, Albright said.

Also of concern is the safety of motorists. “Imagine the difficulty for a driver who has to navigate an interchange – possibly an unfamiliar interchange – in greater darkness,” Albright said. 

The Transportation Cabinet is teaming with Kentucky State Police on the attempted crackdown.
 
The agencies announced a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for such thefts. The reward will be paid from state transportation maintenance funds.

KSP Major Mike Crawford said they are working with recycling centers to fight this type of crime, but they also need the public's help.

He said,  "Getting that information may begin with an alert motorist who notices suspicious activity around highway lights and reports it to us. And their identities can be kept confidential.”

None of the thefts have occurred in western Kentucky.