LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Copper wire thefts are knocking out streetlights, damaging churches and threatening critical city services — and now, city leaders say they’re fighting back with new tools, tougher laws and a public awareness campaign.
Rev. Dr. Eric Johnson, a Louisville pastor, says thieves have repeatedly targeted his church on West Broadway.
“They come back, get one. Come back, get one,” Johnson said. “We have like six to eight big HVAC units that were hit, and we weren’t able to heat or cool our facility like we needed to. It was a really frustrating situation.”
The issue, he said, has become common in areas that are poorly lit.
"It’s a matter of public safety and just common sense,” he said. “Because areas that are not lit… bad things can happen in those areas.”
And it’s not just churches. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said copper wire thieves are also targeting utility poles, communication lines and infrastructure connected to 911 service.
“Copper theft has caused millions of dollars in damages,” Greenberg said during his weekly update. “And it can affect our critical infrastructure including phone service and 911 calls.”
To address the growing problem, Greenberg announced the formation of the Critical Infrastructure Task Force — a public-private partnership that brings together city departments, utilities and law enforcement to stop the thefts.
The city has installed more surveillance cameras and a new tamper-detection system that alerts police in real time when copper wire is being removed.
“We’ve made progress in enforcement, progress with new legislation, progress with new technology, and progress with communication so our community knows what we’re doing and how they can help,” Greenberg said.
One man, Joseph Eugene Halbert, was recently arrested and charged after police say they caught him in the act tampering with a utility pole. He faces several charges, including criminal mischief, tampering with key infrastructure, possession of burglary tools and criminal trespass.
The Kentucky legislature also passed a new law this spring making it a felony to steal copper from critical infrastructure.
To encourage tips, the city is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to arrests. The effort is part of a public awareness campaign launched alongside the task force.
“If you see something, say something,” Greenberg said. “Preventing copper theft enhances public safety.”
Johnson said the reward and task force are steps in the right direction.
“I’m all for anything that’s going to help me protect and help my community produce health and wholeness,” he said. “Money helps in tight times.”
Greenberg said the city is making progress — but the issue is far from over. City officials are urging residents to report suspicious activity near streetlights, utility poles or infrastructure boxes.
“Seeing something could literally help keep the lights on,” Greenberg said.
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