Copper wire thefts along RTD light rail results in $110K in damages

DENVER (KDVR)- The Regional Transportation District has been dealing with multiple issues of copper wire theft and it’s affecting the system by delays for passengers.

Since April 2024, RTD police have have responded to 21 incidents of copper wire theft across their rail system, resulting in $110,00 in damages. The wire provides connections to their power systems at crossing and circuits that energize the trains, so it’s had a major impact on their system.

RTD says the majority of thefts have happened overnight when routes aren’t active, which has helped with recovery. RTD Co-Police Chief Steve Martingano says the cost of the actual wire hasn’t been their biggest issue, but rather the aftermath of this kind of theft that interrupts transit.

“The impact to the agency is a lot bigger than the cost of material. So, when someone does steal the material, it might only be like $700-800 worth of material, which is a low-level crime for a police jurisdiction in that city and county. But for us, delay of service, getting the bus bridge, all of the employees out of there, that is a larger cost for the organization, and it causes delays which hurts our name brand,” Martingano said.

Passengers FOX31 spoke to say it has caused some headaches. Eva Hall says the delays have made her late multiple times.

“For starters, it makes it a little unpredictable to get anywhere. I have no problem being patient, it just makes me then as the traveler have to kind of account for some of these nuisances,” Hall said.

Aurora police were able to make one arrest, but RTD is continuing to work with local agencies and businesses that would buy this kind of material.

“We do work jurisdictionally and throughout the area, but obviously there is no rules to buying copper wire, so we just hope that these businesses come forward and say ‘hey this doesn’t seem right’ and that’s when they would contact us,” Martingano said.

RTD has also done some work to try and deter criminals by embedding the copper wire in railroad ties, installing wooden covers, and greasing the wires to make them less valuable.

RTD warns thieves these tracks can be dangerous and deadly. Trains approaching from any direction do not have time to slow down for someone or something on the tracks.

Passengers who see any suspicious behavior can report tips anonymously using RTD’s Transit Watch app or by contacting Transit Police dispatch by calling 303-299-2911, or texting 303-434-9100.

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