Thieves stealing copper wire from Manatee County’s streetlight system have left roads darkened and racked up more than $200,000 in losses, prompting the county and sheriff’s office to take action.

The thefts have been reported across multiple locations, including Moccasin Wallow Road and 44th Avenue East, where thieves have cut copper wire from the county’s street lighting infrastructure. Aaron Burkett, Manatee County’s traffic operations division manager, said each incident creates both a safety hazard and a financial burden for taxpayers.

The math underscores how lopsided the crime is. If a thief stole wire from 10 lights — roughly 4,000 feet of copper — they might recoup around $400 to $500 by selling it for scrap, while the county’s cost to replace just the material alone would run approximately $5,000.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said the thefts extend into neighboring counties and are part of a wider national trend, with thieves often attempting to pass themselves off as contractors. The county has since installed cameras at vulnerable locations and is coordinating with the sheriff’s office to report incidents as they occur.

Officials are asking residents to call law enforcement if they spot anyone working around streetlights at night, noting that crews rarely perform such work after dark except in emergencies. Anyone caught stealing copper wire faces felony charges.

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