LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said recent thefts may cost taxpayers over $750,000. Copper wires are being stolen out of highway lights across Louisville.

What You Need To Know

  • Over 800 highway lights had their copper wire stolen, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

  • To repair the hundreds of lights, it can cost around $750,000

  • It remains unknown where the thieves are taking wires and how they are selling the metal

  • The Louisville Metro Police Department is partnering with KYTC to catch the thieves. KYTC said it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction

Thefts like these are things recycling businesses have to keep an eye out for.

For a decade, Steve Robey has owned Derby City Recycling. You can often find him walking around the site checking in on his employees. “I love the industry, a great way to make a living,” said Robey.

Preventing thieves from selling him stolen property, like copper wire, makes the job a lot less enjoyable for the 64-year-old.

“They make it a lot less lovable, but I mean, in the last 10 years since I’ve been here, I’ve weeded a whole lot of them out so that I don’t have to worry about that much anymore,” said Robey. 

Robey said he’s caught at least four people who tried to sell him stolen items, but he said lately it hasn’t been a problem at Derby City Recycling.

“We just have cameras and make everybody sign off on it and if anything is stolen, it’s reported to the police,” he said.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet estimates around 800 highway lights in Louisville had their copper wire stolen. It remains unknown where the thieves are taking the wires and how they are selling the metal. Robey says it can sell for around $3 per pound.

“You got 10 or 15 scrap yards around here, they could be going anywhere. So can’t point fingers at nobody. They’re going to find a place to sell regardless,” Robey said. 

According to KYTC, it could cost around $750,000 for materials and installation to fix the highway lighting. To prevent any more theft, they are asking the public for help.

“So we ask the traveling public to keep their eyes open for anything that doesn’t look like it’s above board,” said Matt Bullock, who is the chief district engineer with KYTC for the Louisville area. 

Robey said it’s hard to catch a thief, but there are some signs to look out for.

“You can, like I said, you can tell somebody to bring something and they ain’t supposed to bring in, always nervous, wanting to get in and get out,” Robey said. 

The Louisville Metro Police Department is partnering with KYTC to catch the thieves. If you see anything suspicious on the highway, call 502-574-5673 (LMPD).

KYTC said it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction.

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