Officials Say Metal Thefts Declining on Indiana Highways

Indiana highway officials say they’ve seen a decrease in the theft of wiring from roadside lights since putting out a warning about the brazen metal thieves in December.

The stealing of copper wiring by thieves wearing helmets and safety vests and posing as highway workers had darkened stretches of highway, including parts of Interstate 65 and I-80/94 in northwestern Indiana.

State highway department spokesman Matt Deitchley tells the Post-Tribune that crews are crediting counter-theft measures put in place with state police for stemming the thefts. He says details about those measures aren’t being released to keep the thieves in the dark.

Agency officials say it has spent $300,000 to $400,000 replacing lights.