Copper wire thefts knock out city street lights

Albuquerque Resident Dan Vargas has been wondering for months why about 20 street lights near Gibson Boulevard and Unser Boulevard haven't been working.
Now he knows and the answer surprised him.
Albuquerque city officials say copper thieves are to blame.
"It is happening. Unfortunately it is a growing trend with the price of copper increasing," says City Department of Muncipal Development spokesman Mark Motsko.
Motsko suspects people may be stealing the copper to feed a drug habit.
But stealing the wire can be risky business.
"They are live wires. You could die basically. You could electrocute yourself," Motsko said.
The thefts are costing city taxpayers. It is estimated that the cost of the wire, and the staff hours to fix the lights will be around $60,000," Motsko said.
The city says the lights will be fixed soon. That is good news for Vargas who rides his bike on a dark trail along Unser.
"Hopefully it won't take too long. These lights have been off since March," Vargas said.