Theft of copper wire from Regional Transportation District light rail facilities is impacting service systemwide, causing train delays and malfunctions of crossing arms and signaling devices, and necessitating bus shuttles along the R, A and G lines.

Demand for copper “has created a market for thieves to target critical infrastructure across the world. In the U.S. and Canada, multiple transit agencies have recently reported an increase in copper wire thefts,” RTD officials said.

This spate of thefts is similar to that occurring in 2022.

“Following a spike in copper wire thefts at that time, RTD implemented additional methods to discourage would-be thieves,” said RTD in a news release. “The agency started embedding the copper wire in railroad ties, installing wooden covers, and greasing the wires to make them less valuable. RTD has also piloted adding tracking devices to copper wire coils across the system.”

Most thefts are happening at night along RTD’s 120 miles of track.

The wire serves signals and crossing gates and supplies high-voltage power to the overhead lines that provide power to the trains. RTD warns that stealing wire may result in death or injury from electrocution.

The public is asked to stay aware of suspicious circumstances along the rail lines and to report them to the RTD Transit Police.

Anonymous or discreet tips can be shared by calling Transit Police dispatch at (303) 299-2911 or by using RTD’s Transit Watch app, or texting Transit Watch at (303) 434-9100.