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10/17/2024
Copper wire thefts near track signals, switches and rail crossings are affecting the Regional Transportation District-Denver's (RTD) light-rail service, the district announced yesterday.
Since April, the RTD Police Department has responded to 21 instances of copper wire theft across the 120-mile rail network. Each incident causes temporary disruption of service until the wires can be replaced, RTD officials said in a press release.
The estimated cost of the stolen wires since April is $110,000, they said. Most thefts occur at night and in multiple locations across the system.
RTD police have arrested one suspect so far, although department officials believe multiple people are involved in the thefts.
The copper wire thefts resemble a similar spike in thefts that disrupted light-rail service in 2022. At that time, RTD began embedding the wire in railroad ties, installing wood covers and greasing the wires to make them less valuable.
A high demand for copper has created a market for thieves to target infrastructure such as light-rail track and signals, RTD officials said.