Copper theft drops in Louisville amid crackdown despite record prices

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Copper wire is fetching record-high prices, and in recent months, thieves go to great lengths to get it.

Criminals targeted Louisville street lights, telecommunications lines and even the new VA hospital construction site — stripping valuable wiring to sell for scrap. But now, there are signs the trend may be slowing.

According to Louisville Metro Police, two of the most frequently targeted locations reported zero copper thefts in February and March, a sharp decline compared to previous months.

Police credit that drop to a coordinated effort by the Critical Infrastructure Task Force — a multi-agency group that includes LMPD, state alcohol and beverage control officers, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and police departments in St. Matthews and Middletown.

Authorities say stricter enforcement and new regulations on scrap metal sales are making it harder for thieves to profit.

Under local ordinance, scrap metal dealers must be licensed and follow strict rules. Sellers must provide identification and dealers are required to photograph the seller, their vehicle and license plate. Payments are also tracked; no cash is allowed, and checks must be mailed to the seller’s home address. Businesses that violate the rules can face both criminal and civil penalties.

Those changes appear to be making an impact.

One local scrap dealer said he no longer buys copper and saw a noticeable drop in people trying to sell it. Another dealer, Steve Robey of Derby City Recycling, said his business used to see daily attempts to sell copper wire, but that it slowed significantly.

"Because I think that the law was on to them," Robey said. "I don’t know if they’re taking it out of town. I don’t know where they’re going."

Police say one common sign of stolen copper is burned wire — where insulation was stripped off to expose the metal. In one case, investigators identified a man, Noah Duke, who was seen with a truck full of burned copper wire. Police say there is no legitimate reason for someone to possess wire in that condition.

In another incident, LMPD said suspects cut locks at a VA construction site and loaded a truck with stolen wiring. A Flock camera system captured the vehicle leaving the scene. Investigators later determined the stolen wire — which was part of the hospital’s electrical system — was sold to a pawn shop in Illinois.

While arrests and investigations continue, police say the recent drop in thefts is a positive sign — and proof that coordinated enforcement and tighter regulations are making a difference.

For now, authorities say they’ll continue monitoring the situation to ensure the trend continues.