$5,000 Reward for Help in Catching Copper Wire Thieves Pillaging Highway Lights

Criminal destruction hampers safety, costs taxpayers hundreds of thousands for repairs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2023) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is reminding the public of the reward being offered in the battle against thieves who are continuing to steal copper wire from interstate highway lighting systems.

Thefts in District 5 have occurred within spans along most major interstates, with the Louisville Metro area being impacted especially hard by the heist. The offer of $5,000 for information leading to arrests and prosecution of the thieves, whose crimes have caused $750,000 in damages, is still being offered.

KYTC is partnering with the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) to spread the word that copper wire theft from highway lights endangers the public, puts motorists at risk, and costs Kentucky taxpayers. The thieves also run a risk: high voltage in the lines could result in electrocution.

State and local officials are seeking help from the public to identify these persons or anyone else suspected of stealing copper wire on Kentucky highways.

Kentuckians can contact the following resources:

• Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) 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 local law enforcement (LMPD) by calling 502-574-LMPD (5673) or by utilizing the online crime tip portal.
• Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC. 

While copper wire theft also occurs on private property, interstate and highway lighting systems are often targets.

In 2014, a rash of copper wire thefts occurred along interstates and parkways in central Kentucky. A $2,500 reward was offered by KYTC and Kentucky State Police, prompting an informant to come forward. Two residents of Clark County ultimately were arrested, indicted and pleaded guilty to a combination of misdemeanor and felony theft charges. 

Culprits break into lighting systems and junction boxes to pull, cut and strip the wires. They often look to sell the scrap metal to recycling facilities in and out of the state. With damage exceeding $3,000, the thief or thieves could face Class D felony charges, which carry possible prison sentences of five to 10 years. To deter theft, state law requires recycling centers to obtain identification of sellers and a certified statement as to the sources of the scrap metal being sold.