Your Daily Guide

Copper wire theft is costing Philly big time, and the city has finally had enough.

• Why the Metal is Integral to City Functions. Copper is used in infrastructure such as the wiring in streetlights. Thieves have long coveted this wire for its resale value, specifically targeting streetlights. But even The Portal art installation was stripped for copper wiring at Love Park.
• It's Getting Worse. The rate of theft has increased since April.
• The Effects Are Evident. When the wire is taken from lights, they are rendered useless, leaving sections of the city in darkness while waiting to be fixed. This has impacted youth sports programs that can't practice on fields without lights. This also increases the risk of violence, as well-lit streets help reduce crime.
• The Dollar Breakdown. It's costing Philly taxpayers millions of dollars to replace this stolen copper, while the resale value of the metal is significantly less. At Bartram's Garden in Southwest Philly, it cost $800,000 to replace stolen wiring.
• Steal This Idea, Not Copper. Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power wanted to combat copper theft with its own police force, and its city council approved a metal wire theft reward program for anyone with tips. Over in Louisville, the city is transitioning to solar-powered lighting that doesn't use copper wiring.
• The Solution. Here in Philly, city agencies are implementing anti-theft measures such as swapping copper for less-precious aluminum. Some wiring will also be moved from the base of the poles to make it harder to reach. And software to detect potential theft is being developed in collaboration with the city's light management vendor.

For more on how Philly is trying to keep the lights on, listen to today's episode on wire theft, local politics, and what we have planned for our next Neighbors event (hint: you'll get your steps in while draining some pints 🍻).

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