HOUSTON--The problem of copper theft is common throughout many parts of Houston, but now it appears thieves may be responsible for turning out dozens of street lights along Interstate 10.
“This seems like a new phenomenon and we want to stop it before it gets any worse,” Department of Public Works Spokesman Alvin Wright said Monday evening.
According to Wright, copper thieves appear to have stolen the copper conductors from a number of street lights located east of the 610 Loop, stretching out to Uvalde.
“Right now, we’re not sure how many have been affected and our people are in the process of accessing the damage,” added Wright.
Wright said a similar theft took place inside the loop, but this was the first time it had happened on such a large scale further east.
In response, public works is considering replacing the copper wires with aluminum, and installing lock boxes to keep the copper conductors safe. Officials said they don’t know how long it will take to complete the repairs, which could eventually cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.
In the meantime, some commuters say driving the dangerous stretch of roadway has just gotten a lot worse.
“It’s bad enough with all the congestion and construction,” said Steve Mueller. “Now that we got to deal with the lights being out, it’s even more dangerous.”
