Las Cruces police say a run of copper wire thefts has literally left parts of the city in the dark, with roughly 100 reports logged since November 2025. Thieves have been stripping cable from streetlight poles and new-construction sites overnight, typically between midnight and 5 a.m., according to officers. The result: blocks without lighting until repairs are done, and repair tabs that can reach $10,000 per hit for the city.
Investigators say the thieves are not exactly subtle about it, either. Police are warning that unmarked vehicles parked near light poles late at night should be treated as suspicious and reported.
According to KVIA, Las Cruces police investigators say suspects strip insulation off the wiring, cut the copper into lengths they can easily sell, and haul it to recycling centers in Las Cruces and El Paso for about $5 per pound. The department told KVIA it has arrested and charged 12 people since January 2026, typically on felony counts such as criminal damage to property and larceny. Police have traced incidents to areas including Elks Drive, Holman Road, and the West Mesa Industrial Park.
Why copper thefts are lucrative and dangerous
Copper’s market value has made even relatively small bundles of wire worth a quick cash-out. Current scrap-price listings put high-grade copper at roughly $5 per pound, and security analysts say rising futures and the broader push for electrification have helped drive thefts higher. FFT Security notes those same pressures in its industry guidance.
Beyond the money, experts warn that cutting into live or improperly de-energized lines is extremely risky, with real electrocution and fire dangers. Damaged or exposed wiring can also knock out streetlights and other services until crews can safely get in, troubleshoot, and repair the damage.
What police and neighbors can do
Las Cruces police are asking residents to keep an eye out, jot down vehicle descriptions and report anything that feels off. The department specifically flagged vehicles without City of Las Cruces or El Paso Electric logos parked near light poles as a red flag, as KVIA reported.
For non-emergencies, residents can call the Las Cruces Police Department at (575) 526-0795. If there is an immediate danger, officers say to call 911.
Authorities add that scrap yards and contractors can play a major role in slowing the thefts by checking sellers’ IDs and keeping detailed transaction records, so stolen material is harder to move. City crews, for their part, are constantly weighing repair costs against public-safety risks when deciding how and where to respond first.
Police say community tips have already been crucial in recent arrests. Anyone with information about copper wire thefts is urged to contact LCPD through the non-emergency line so investigators can follow up.
