SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Caltrans has stepped up its campaign against copper wire thieves.

Caltrans is spending more than $7 million a year replacing damaged equipment stemming from the thefts.

Thieves have been hitting everything from electronic highway message signs to underground conduit used to operate traffic lights.

The state transportation agency is switching from copper to aluminum and is working with local law enforcement to sideline the metal thieves.

Story Date: April 9, 2015