Whole stretches of Stockton are going dark as thieves rip copper wiring out of streetlight vaults, according to city officials and frustrated neighbors. In recent days, work crews have been spotted scrambling to respond, draping tarps over exposed cables and pouring concrete into manholes in an effort to cut off easy access for the thieves.
Residents say the result is unnerving. Between the flickering streetlights and Stockton’s frequent fog, some blocks now feel especially unsafe once the sun goes down.
Councilwoman Michelle Padilla has publicly raised the alarm about the growing problem, according to CBS Sacramento. The Stockton Police Department told the outlet it logged one wire theft report in the last 30 days on Tower Hill Drive, and city officials said they are still trying to pin down exactly how many streetlights have been knocked out…