Thieves rip mile of copper wire out of city lights

EUGENE, Ore. -- They're back.

Wire thieves pulled more than a mile of copper wire from the lighting system of Eugene's Fern Ridge bicycle and pedestrian paths between Terry Sreet and Roosevelt Boulevard. More than 9,350 feet of cooper wire and 15 junction boxes were taken sometime between Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

This isn't the first time wire theft has hit Eugene's extensive bicycle/pedestrian path system. Thieves stole a half mile of wire last September from the East Bank trail along the Willamette River.

The City of Eugene estimates the loss at $37,000.

Police are asking the public to please call 911 when they notice suspicious circumstances such as this, especially at night, because it may help prevent or lead to the capture of the thieves.