District 11

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Contact: Public Information Officer Ed Cartagena Phone: (619) 688-6670

Caltrans Asks For Public’s Help In Reducing Thefts Of Freeway Metals

SAN DIEGO –The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is asking for the public’s help in reducing the theft of copper wiring and other metals used in lights, safety barriers and traffic control devices along freeways throughout San Diego County.

Caltrans Spokesman Ed Cartagena said the agency has noticed a marked increase in recent months of metal thefts, particularly of copper wiring used in some freeway lights in the South Bay Area. During the past year, it has cost taxpayers $72,500 to replace the stolen wiring.

Many of these thefts take place during daylight hours, so motorists are urged to contact the California Highway Patrol at 858-637-3800 to report suspected illegal activity. Caltrans believes the suspects may have experience as electricians and may be disguised as highway workers.

“We need drastic measures to get a handle on these types of thefts, and we’re asking for the public’s help,” Cartagena said. “When a person steals from the side of the freeway not only do they risk injuring themselves, but they put motorists at risk when they remove or disable safety devices.”

Caltrans was criticized by a local news station for leaving some low-wattage freeway lights illuminated during the daytime hours as a theft deterrent and to provide a visual cue when the wires had been cut and repairs needed. Although the strategy worked, the Department was concerned with the public’s perception and has since turned the lights off during the day.

“The down side is that we now expect thefts to increase in those areas and we need the public’s help in identifying suspicious activity,” Cartagena said. “Leaving the lights on was just one strategy. Other strategies have included constructing a concrete collar around the base of the poles and trimming the nearby landscaping to reduce hiding places.”

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