MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A costly crime is leaving parts of Manatee County in the dark.
Officials say copper thieves are targeting streetlights along Moccasin Wallow Road, stealing thousands of feet of wire and causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Drivers say it’s becoming a safety issue as the county works to crack down on the thefts.
What You Need To Know
- Copper thieves are targeting streetlights in Manatee County, stealing thousands of feet of wire and causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says copper thefts are increasing across Tampa Bay
- Detectives are working on multiple cases and expect arrests soon as the county installs cameras and explores prevention methods.
Sebastian Martinez points to a spot on the map — the exact place where he and his wife had a frightening encounter on the road three weeks ago…