Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) continues to report multiple cases of copper wire theft near track signals, switches, and rail crossings.

Since April 2024 the RTD Police Department has responded to 21 incidents of copper wire theft across the rail network, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately $110,000. In each instance, the theft of wire has temporarily disrupted rail services until the wires could be replaced.

While the thefts appear to involve multiple people, one suspect has been arrested following an investigation.

RTD's Efforts to Stop Theft

The recent arrest marks a significant step forward in the agency’s ongoing efforts to address and prevent the crimes. RTD is also following up on additional leads in close collaboration with area law enforcement agencies.

RDT’s 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 occurred overnight, with thefts taking place at different locations across the system’s 120 miles of track.

An Issue Faced Before

The copper wire thefts resemble a similar trend that disrupted RTD’s rail services in 2022.

Following a spike in copper wire thefts at that time, RTD implemented additional methods to discourage would-be thieves. The agency started embedding the copper wire in railroad ties, installing wooden covers, and greasing the wires to make them less valuable.

The demand for copper has created a market for thieves to target critical infrastructure around the world. In the U.S. and Canada, multiple transit agencies have also recently reported an increase in copper wire thefts.

RTD is asking customers and the community to report any suspicious behavior that is observed on or near the system’s tracks.

The agency also warns thieves and would-be culprits that trespassing on RTD’s tracks is dangerous and deadly. Trains can approach from any direction at any time and are unable to quickly stop or slow down. Additionally, there is a danger of electrocution from exposing and handling the system’s copper wires.