High Prices Spur Theft of Copper From Lights
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
High scrap-metal prices led criminals to steal copper wire from about 750 streetlights, costing the city nearly $250,000, officials said.
Copper sells for about $3 to $4 a pound, said Dave Row, a supervisor with the Public Works Department. The amount of copper stolen between two streetlights can weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
Workers will retool electrical boxes on the lights with special locks and screws. Officers are following up on leads provided by scrap-metal business owners, Police Capt. Keith Foster said.
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