Thieves target copper wiring in Philly street lights, leaving neighborhoods in darkness

Copper wire thieves leave Philly area neighborhoods in the dark

Copper wire thieves are targeting street lights in Philadelphia leaving residents in the dark.

Residents in Philadelphia's Fishtown and Port Richmond neighborhoods are facing safety concerns as thieves continue to strip copper wiring from streetlights, leaving streets significantly darker and more dangerous.

The thefts have been ongoing for about a year, affecting multiple blocks and council districts.

What we know:

The copper wiring theft involves removing screws from the baseplates of decorative lampposts and cutting the wiring, which is then sold for profit. This has left streets without power to keep the lights on, creating a dim and unsafe environment.

Kristen Scalise, a Fishtown resident, expressed her worries, say