Street lights fail after thieves steal copper wire in Bradenton

BRADENTON (FOX 13) - Police in Bradenton say thieves recently stole about 1,000 feet of copper wire leaving several street lights without power. 

It happened along 43rd Street West near Cortez Boulevard.

“Coming up and down the street, it’s as black as my shirt,” said Steven Tomaino.

Police are not sure who did it, but hope someone saw something before the road went dark.

“There are a lot of people that just rush thru here and you can get hit by a car very easily,” said Dr. Robert Koser.

Various scrap metal outlets report that copper sells for about $2.50 a pound. Thieves often steal it, to re-sell it later.

The lights have since been fixed, but anyone who has information about the theft is asked to call police.