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Copper Thieves Ransack Light Poles in Florida

Drivers on I-95 taking dark rides

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 30, 2011 6:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – Drivers on stretches of I-95 in Florida may have been wondering whether their headlights were fading, but it turns out that copper thieves are to blame for some dark rides of late. Somebody's been stealing the wiring from highway light poles, presumably to sell for scrap, reports CBS Miami. In Palm Beach County alone, thieves have stripped 100 poles on a 33-mile stretch over the last six months—about 175,000 feet of wire. Authorities began installing anti-theft devices today, and state troopers are asking motorists for help in spotting the culprits at work.

Thieves are taking copper from light poles along I-95 in Florida.
Thieves are taking copper from light poles along I-95 in Florida.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Twiny
Aug 31, 2011 12:22 PM CDT
Where are the cops in all this? I can't believe it would be so hard to find the scrap yard that is buying some 33 MILES of wire. I also can't believe that a cop hasn't seen this happening.
awojoone1
Aug 30, 2011 10:20 PM CDT
Here in Detoilet  we steal the whole light pole, One stop shopping, copper, steel, and aluminum all in one!!!!
GenericLeftist
Aug 30, 2011 9:26 PM CDT
Steal $50 in copper for $1,000s of dollars in damage to taxpayers. "Gimme back my bullets, put em back where they belong." -Lynard
 

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