Ky. targets copper wire thefts along highways

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — 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.

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.

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