Video: Metal thieves getting bolder

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TUMWATER, Wash. – Copper thieves are getting bolder, this time taking wire from a Washington State Patrol weigh station on a busy highway.

Last week, thieves took 300 feet of wire from junction boxes at the weigh station near Spanaway. The state has replaced the wire and the box tops are now secured with bolts.

Washington State Department of Transportation Supervisor Jim Newman had to put his region's wire supply inside a locked warehouse because of thefts.

"It's frustrating from a public safety concern and its public funding. They're stealing money from the public," said Newman.

Since 2007, wire thieves have stolen nearly 100,000 feet of copper wire from junction boxes and lights along south Puget Sound highways.

Newman estimates his crews now spend a quarter of their time repairing wire theft scenes. With budget restraints, other maintenance projects have to be delayed.

There's another danger that worries Jim Newman.

"When we get a report of damage or lights out, we'll find exposed wires out in the open where our guys could get hung up or the public could too," said Newman.

This is the 95th theft in the WSDOT's Olympic Region since December 2006.