DENVER — Multiple cases of copper wire theft are impacting rail service in the Denver metro area.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) said there have been five instances of copper wire being stolen along light rail alignments over the last week.
The copper wire is being stolen near track signals, switches, and rail crossings. RTD said most of the thefts have taken place along the R Line, which runs between Peoria Station in Aurora and Lincoln Station in Lone Tree.
RTD said it is also investigating multiple cases of thieves targeting copper wire along the A and G commuter rail lines.
A wire theft on Monday along the A Line resulted in signal issues and the need for bus shuttles between Denver Union Station and Central Park Station, RTD said
Copper wires provide connections to a low-voltage system that powers signals at rail crossings, as well as high-voltage circuits that energize trains through the overhead wires. Most of the recent thefts have happened overnight at different locations across the system’s 120 miles of track, according to RTD.
According to RTD, each incident has resulted in impacts to light rail service, including train delays, crossing arms staying active in the down position, and the need for bus shuttles.
Demand for copper has created a market for thieves to target critical infrastructure across the world. Multiple transit agencies have recently reported an increase in copper wire thefts.
RTD warns thieves that trespassing on its tracks is dangerous and can be deadly. Trains can approach from any direction at any time and are not able to quickly stop or slow down. There is also a danger of electrocution from exposing and handling the copper wires.
RTD is asking customers and the public to report any suspicious behavior that they may observe on or near the system’s tracks.
Anonymous tips can be shared using RTD’s Transit Watch app, by calling Transit Police dispatch at 303-299-2911 or texting 303-434-9100.
