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 is 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 is 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.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 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 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Inspector General 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 Louisville Metro Police by calling 502-574-LMPD (5673) or by utilizing the online crime tip portal.
Report dark intersections to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are always in marked vehicles when performing maintenance work on light poles. So if you see someone in an unmarked vehicle tampering with a light pole, call one of the numbers above or Louisville Metro Police at 502-574-LMPD (5673).
Source: WDRB
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