LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Copper thieves continue to target light poles on the state's highways, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reminding the public of a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the crimes.
That's more than double the previous reward of $2,500 that was offered in August 2022.
The thieves break into lighting systems and junction boxes to pull, cut and strip the wires. They then try to sell the scrap metal to recycling facilities in and out of the state. That's why state law requires recycling centers to obtain identification of sellers and a certified statement as to the sources of the scrap metal being sold.
Ongoing thefts continue to happen along most major interstates in the state, and the Louisville Metro area is being hit hard by the thieves. In addition to safety issues, the crimes have caused $750,000 in damages.
"Even if thieves only steal a portion of the wire, we have to replace the entire length of the wire within the conduit run because the wire can’t be reconnected," Matt Bullock, chief engineer for the Department of Highways for KYTC District 5, said in an earlier WDRB report on the thefts.
KYTC is partnering with the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security and the Louisville Metro Police Department to spread the word that copper wire theft from highway lights endangers the public, puts motorists at risk, and costs Kentucky taxpayers.
State and local officials are ready to pay $5,000 for information that identifies and convicts anyone stealing copper wire on Kentucky highways.
Kentuckians can use the following contacts to report wire thefts or dark interstates:
- Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the reward.
- Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement (LMPD) by calling 502-574-LMPD (5673) or by utilizing the online crime tip portal.
- Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC.
KYTC crews are always in marked vehicles when performing maintenance work on light poles. So if you see someone not in a marked vehicle tampering with a light pole, call one of the numbers above or Louisville Metro Police at 502-574-LMPD (5673).
LMPD has a video with more instructions on its Facebook page.
Related Stories:
- Kentucky officials double reward to catch copper thieves targeting interstate light poles
- Interstate lights being turned back on in Louisville after copper wire was stolen
- Officials asking for public's help to find copper thieves tampering with Louisville highway lights
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