The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of thieves stealing copper wire from interstate highway systems.
The transportation cabinet is offering $5,000 “for information leading to arrests and prosecution of the thieves, whose crimes already have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages,” KYTC officials said.
The damage caused by the thieves so far is estimated at $380,000.
“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,” transportation cabinet officials said.
The thefts are taking place along I-65 between the Franklin exit in Simpson County to the I-65/I-265 interchange in Louisville. In Louisville alone, thieves have stolen about 18 miles worth of copper wire by stripping light poles and junction boxes.
Approximately 500 light poles along the interstate have been damaged; some more than once.
“Stealing copper is a crime that victimizes all Kentucky taxpayers,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Stolen wiring has to be replaced, broken lighting systems have to be repaired, and it’s the taxpayers who are left with the bill.”
Report information concerning wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 502-330-7506. If the information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the reward.
(Photo: Two suspects caught on surveillance video stealing copper wire, courtesy of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k10.com
