The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and State Police are partnering to crack down on the theft of copper wire in highway lighting systems.
The state estimates that thieves have caused at least $2 million in damages in the last four years.
"One of the really frustrating aspects of copper wire theft is that these thieves cause far more in damage than what they will ever realize from selling the copper wire they steal," Transportation Cabinet Spokesman Chuck Wolfe told WKU Public Radio.
The crime has taxpayers footing the bill. The cost of replacing the vandalized lights comes from the Transportation Cabinet’s highway maintenance budget, which is supported by the motor fuels tax that Kentucky drivers pay at the pump.
To fight back, Kentucky State Police and the Transportation Cabinet have announced a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to the prosecution of thieves. The two agencies are also asking the recycling industry for help identifying anyone trying to sell stolen copper.
