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Minneapolis takes different approach to copper wire thefts
The city of Minneapolis said 2023 was one of the worst years for copper wire thefts from the city’s streetlights.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Along Theodore Wirth Parkway, you can find multiple streetlights with bases exposed to reveal cut wires. It’s the same story along Bde Maka Ska Parkway.
According to the Minneapolis Police Department, on Jan. 10 just before 3 a.m., officers were patrolling the 3600 block of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway when they noticed a minivan and a large amount of copper wire in the roadway. When officers followed the van, it ran into a dumpster and three individuals emerged. Officers arrested the driver and found large amounts of copper wire and tools that can be used to cut wire. MPD estimates it will cost $8,750 to repair the streetlights along Bde Maka Ska Parkway.
“2023 was probably one of the worst years we’ve had for wire theft of the streetlight… both on city streets and the parkway roadways,” said Joe Laurin, project manager for the City of Minneapolis’ Public Works Traffic Division. “We’re not exactly sure why the the wire theft has increased so much. We suspect it could be related to the current copper prices being as high as they are.”
The city of Minneapolis is now taking a different approach in hopes of deterring copper thieves.
“We did purchase 25,000 feet, so approximately five miles of aluminum wire, to put into the conduit system and make repairs for approximately five miles of wire that was stolen during 2023,” Laurin said.
Laurin said West River Parkway remains one of the largest sections for continual wire theft.
Prior to the ground freezing, they repaired about 125 lights. It took about three-and-a-half weeks to complete the work and cost about $250,000.
The value of copper is about four times as much as aluminum. They’re hoping thieves will now have less of an incentive to steal the wire.
“Now that it’s been installed, it’s a little bit of a wait and see if theft reoccurs at the same location. We had seen in the past copper wire being stolen. We responded quickly to repair and replace the copper wire. Then often, within a few days later, the wire was stolen in the same location which was frustrating for the residents and people that use that roadway,” Laurin said.
The city of St. Paul is experiencing the same challenges. According to the city’s website, they have seen an increase in wire theft since early 2021. They are not making the switch to aluminum for several reasons.
The website states, “First, there would be an increase to overall costs to maintain the system. Second, aluminum would reduce the reliability of existing circuits and components for most of the City’s street lights. They would likely need to be retooled or possibly replaced in their entirety to make a switch to using aluminum wire. Finally, changing the wire type would also likely require the use of a heavier aluminum wire, compared to the thinner gauge copper wire being used now. Aluminum wire still has resale value, and is not likely to decrease the current rate of wire theft.”
Laurin said repairing with aluminum required some adjustments, including upgrading the wire size. There are also some questions about how durable and reliable the wiring will be in the years ahead.
Laurin said the city of Minneapolis tries to be proactive in reaching out to local recycling centers with information on their materials.
It’s not just streetlights impacted. The city is also seeing copper wire thefts at curbside EV Spot Network chargers.
A city of Minneapolis spokesperson said, “Unfortunately, there have been extended periods where certain chargers are down due to long lead times on obtaining replacement parts and arranging crews to perform the repairs. The project staff are actively exploring ways to mitigate the issue to ensure a more consistent experience for people looking to charge their vehicles.”
Laurin said Minneapolis maintenance crews do not work evenings and when they’re out during the day, a vehicle will be nearby with the city of Minneapolis logo on it. Those who witness a potential theft of copper should call 911.
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