Thieves targeted Roseville’s Central Park over the weekend stripping copper wiring from 27 outdoor light poles and the circuit between them.
The theft was reported on Saturday, November 16. The thieves stripped fixtures that illuminate the trail around Lake Bennett, which is located between Lexington Ave. and Victoria St. Lighting will not be useable until repairs are completed.
Roseville Police are investigating the incident while city parks staff have been assessing the damage. Thieves made off with more than 18,000 feet of copper wire. The timeline for repairs is uncertain, but initial estimates indicate that repairs could take weeks or more to complete and could cost more than $70,000.
Copper wire theft has surged across the country as the value of copper has climbed, according to news reports. Thieves sell the metal to scrapyards.
“This is particularly disheartening because so many residents rely on Central Park for physical activity and mental rejuvenation, especially during the fall and winter when the days are short,” said Roseville Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Johnson. “We will do everything in our power to get this repaired as quickly and efficiently as possible, but it will be a significant undertaking."
Johnson said parks users should be aware that trails will be darker at dawn and dusk until the lights are repaired.
If you have any information please contact Roseville Parks and Recreation