LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A recent string of copper metal thefts has left over 500 poles dark on interstates, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said Wednesday. Now, state officials are calling on the public to help catch the culprits and prevent future theft.

This year, the Department of Highways District 5 office estimates between 45,000-66,000 feet of copper wire has been stolen from roadway lighting poles and junction boxes along I-64 between Exit 3 and Interstate 264, in addition to eight other interchanges in Louisville:

• Exit 1 and Exit 3 on I-64; 
• Exits 127, 130, 132, 133 and 134 on Interstate 65; 
• and Exit 4 on I-264.

KYTC is offering a $2,500 reward for information that will help lead to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for the thefts. 

“Stealing copper is not a victimless crime,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “Taxpayers are left holding the bag to pay to replace the stolen wires and repair broken lighting systems. If you see suspicious activity or know of anyone involved in stealing state property, please report it.”

Stolen wire stops the flow of electricity and has impacted lighting on an estimated 500 light poles in Louisville, officials said.

KYTC is partnering with the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security to spread the word that this activity endangers the public and puts motorists at risk, but they're not the only ones — the high voltage current in these lines may also electrocute would-be thieves.

While the cost to restore power to affected lighting systems will be determined once work begins, it is estimated the cost of the wire alone will be between $30,600 to $44,880, plus contractor installation costs. While copper wire theft can range from cellular towers to vacant homes, nationally, interstate and highway lighting systems are often targets.

If you have any useful information for investigators:

• Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of Inspector General Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the reward.
• Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
• Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 888-FOR-KYTC. 

“Like catalytic converter thefts, stealing copper becomes more common during difficult economic times,” said KYTC Office of Inspector General Director Maryellen Mynear. “We’re asking the public to watch for and report suspicious activity, such as people in unmarked vehicles working near lighting equipment or wire attached to the hitch of a vehicle. This strategy has proven to be successful in the past so we’re asking for the public’s help again to curb this type of crime.”

In 2014, 48 copper wire thefts occurred on central Kentucky interstates and parkways. A $2,500 reward was offered by KYTC and the Kentucky State Police for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. A confidential informant provided information which helped authorities identify and arrest the thieves.