Minneapolis streets were a little safer last week after Fifth-Precinct officers nabbed a man accused of stripping city streetlights of their copper innards. The suspect, caught near Bde Maka Ska, allegedly vandalized the lights to profit from the copper's modest scrap value, a petty theft that's costing the city immensely in repairs.
Streetlight vandalism isn't just a hit on the city’s wallet, it's a danger to citizens who rely on these beacons for safety in the dark of night. Faced with this threat, Minneapolis is moving to guard against these crimes, subbing out copper for less desirable aluminum. But even with a payout of less than $2 per pound for the stolen copper, the cost to taxpayers rises into the hundreds of thousands to fix what the thieves break, according to a statement by the Minneapolis Police Department.
The Twin Cities have been wrestling with copper pilfering for some time. Thieves target everything from streetlights to EV chargers and A/C units. It's a persistent problem, one that finds its greedy hands reaching into the safety and security of the urban day-to-day.
The man apprehended is facing charges, including property damage and having burglary tools in his possession. While the case winds its way through the legal labyrinth, the city's message remains clear: if you see something off, especially around streetlights, call 911. In the meantime, the switch to aluminum might just dim the allure of this costly urban scavenging.
