Minneapolis asks for help after 5 copper wire thefts hit street lights

Minneapolis is asking neighbors to watch for copper wire thieves after repeated street light thefts in several neighborhoods.

The city said thieves have hit street lights in Minneapolis neighborhoods, including along East Minnehaha Parkway, in five cases in recent weeks. The damage will cost the city about $50,000 to repair.

“This is what they are pulling out,” Joe Laurin said.

Laurin, with Minneapolis Public Works, said crews are passing out flyers to residents in south Minneapolis, along the parkway, near Lake Harriet and in Stevens Square. He said the flyers show people what to watch for, including missing panels and exposed wires.

“Sometimes they march down the street or continue from block to block… In a predictable pattern they can get ahead of,” Laurin said.

Laurin said the thefts often happen over two nights. He...