In a string of troubling incidents, the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) has been grappling with a surge in copper wire thefts that have wreaked havoc on the city’s light-rail services. Over the past week, the agency has reported at least five instances of thieves targeting copper wires near track signals, switches, and rail crossings, primarily along the R Line.
The repercussions of these thefts have been substantial, leading to train delays, malfunctioning crossing arms, and the deployment of bus shuttles to mitigate the disruptions to service. Notably, the A and G commuter rail lines have also fallen victim to similar thefts, resulting in signal issues and the need for alternative transportation options.
The stolen copper wires play a vital role in powering the signals at rail crossings and energizing trains through overhead wires. Denver RTD has emphasized that most thefts occur overnight, with thieves striking at various locations across the system’s extensive 120 miles of track.
These brazen thefts echo a previous wave of similar incidents in 2022, prompting Denver RTD to implement enhanced security measures to deter criminals. Measures such as embedding wires in crossties, installing protective covers, and utilizing tracking devices on wire coils have been taken to safeguard the infrastructure.
The agency has highlighted the global demand for copper as a driving force behind these thefts, with transit agencies in the U.S. and Canada also experiencing a rise in such crimes. Denver RTD is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near the tracks to prevent further disruptions to the city’s transportation network.
