(WJAR) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is installing heavy concrete covers to deter copper theft after more than $1 million worth of wiring was stolen from along state roads.
“These are large, 700-pound blocks that we put over the covers,” said RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio.
Rocchio said the thefts began a few years ago as copper prices rose significantly, with thieves targeting wiring used for roadside streetlights.
“It started a few years back when copper prices went up significantly,” he said. “We started seeing a lot of copper thefts for our roadside street lighting.”…