Multiple recent cases of stolen copper wire are impacting RTD's rail services

RTD is reporting multiple cases of copper wire theft near track signals, switches, and rail crossings. RTD has reported five instances of copper wire being stolen along light rail alignments over the last week alone. Most of the theft has taken place along the R Line, which runs between Peoria Station in Aurora and Lincoln Station in Lone Tree.

Each incident has resulted in significant impacts to light rail service, including train delays, crossing arms staying active in the down position, and the need for bus shuttles. RTD is also investigating multiple cases of thieves targeting copper wire along the A and G commuter rail lines. A wire theft earlier today along the A Line has resulted in a signal issues and the need for bus shuttles between Denver Union Station and Central Park Station.

RTD’s copper wires provide connections to a low-voltage system that powers signals at rail crossings, as well as high-voltage circuits that energizes trains through the overhead wires. Most of the recent thefts have happened overnight, and the thieves are striking at different locations across the system’s 120 miles of track.

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. RTD has also piloted adding tracking devices to copper wire coils across the system.

The 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 is asking customers and the public to report any suspicious behavior that they may observe 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 not able to quickly stop or slow down. Additionally, there is a real danger of electrocution from exposing and handling the system’s copper wires.

Anonymous or discreet tips can be shared using RTD’s Transit Watch app, by calling Transit Police dispatch at 303.299.2911, or texting 303.434.9100.