Copper wire thieves targeting Manatee County’s streetlights system: ‘Roads go dark’

The Brief

  • Manatee County has recorded more than $200,000 in copper wire thefts happening from streetlights and their system.
  • The county said each incident results in tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs and taxpayer dollars.
  • Thefts have been reported to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and cameras have been put in place to stop thieves.

BRADENTON, Fla. It’s an epidemic that stretches across the nation: Copper wire thefts.

It’s become so bad that Miami-Dade County started their own task force to cut down on the crime. Manatee County has even seen thieves targeting their streetlight systems — and it’s a crime that costs the county tens of thousands of dollars.

CRIME: Florida caregiver accused of stealing nearly $100K from elderly patient

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS