Metal Theft

Engineers said they plan to replace solid copper wire, used to ground equipment, with copper-coated steel wire that is more difficult to cut and virtually worthless compared to solid copper. BPA Officials said in the past six months they have seen nine substation break-ins, costing the company over $30,000 in damages.

BPA Responds to Copper Wire Theft

It costs about $4,000 in material and labor to replace each gate – six gates have been stolen but a suspect has been arrested and faces felony theft charges.

Metal thieves hit state trust lands

The lure of big money for scrap metal has sunk thieves to a new low -- stealing from Washington's already cash-strapped forest service.

Metal gates lure thieves to Washington's forests

Copper wire has been stolen from state-owned street lights, signals, and storage yards. Thieves also are stealing aluminum, steel, and other WSDOT property. These thefts jeopardize public safety by disabling traffic signals, highway lighting, information signs, and other transportation systems.

Public Safety and Public Funds at Risk

Wire Theft