Copper wiring stolen from street lights

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is asking for the community’s help with recent thefts of thousands of dollars’ worth of taxpayer funded copper wiring.

Kentucky State Police and the Office of Inspector General from Frankfort have been called in to investigate the crime, which occurred on light poles in Warren County.

“There was some lighting out in a section of Warren County and when our crews went out to check on it, it was discovered that the copper wiring in that whole system in the area had been stolen,” said Wes Watt, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 Office.

The community is being asked to be observant of any suspicious activity, especially during the nighttime hours near lighting areas on roadways.

“If there are unmarked vehicles or even an unmarked utility truck, that is suspicious. So, people need to notify local law enforcement immediately so that we can try to catch these people,” said Watt.

All KYTC vehicles and KYTC contract vehicles are clearly marked with labels and work personnel should be clearly visible with reflective material on clothing and other high-visibility attire.

Local recycling businesses are also being asked to be on the lookout for suspicious individuals attempting to sell copper.

“Really that’s the only way we are going to be able to get this stopped, because it is more likely that a community member driving by will see it than we will,” said Watt.

The stealing of wiring for lighting on roadways also creates safety issues for motorists.