Police: Watch for Copper Wire Thieves

Las Cruces police are asking the public to be on the lookout for suspicious persons who are stealing copper wire from area light poles and new construction sites.

Most of the incidents occur between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. and have occurred throughout the city – from Elks Drive to Holman Road and the West Mesa Industrial Park. Incidents have occurred near new home construction sites and in established neighborhoods.

Since November 2025, the Las Cruces Police Department has received roughly 100 reports of stolen copper wire.

Unfortunately, Las Cruces is not the only municipality experiencing copper wire thefts. Similar incidents have occurred throughout New Mexico.

Investigators believe the perpetrators are stealing the copper wire from light poles, removing the plastic coating, chopping the wire into small sections and then selling the scraps to recycling centers in El Paso and Las Cruces.

Scrap copper wire can sell for about $5 per pound at recycle centers. Each incident of copper wire theft can cost the city up to $10,000 to purchase new wire and repair the damaged section. The thefts of copper wire also contribute to a public safety hazard as stretches of roadways go without nighttime lighting until repairs can be made.

Since January 2026, Las Cruces police have arrested and charged 12 individuals suspected of stealing copper wire from light poles. Typical charges are felony counts of criminal damage to property and larceny.

Even with the 12 arrests, copper wires continue to be stolen from area light poles.

Police ask residents to immediately report any suspicious activity near light poles and new residential construction sites. Vehicles without City of Las Cruces or El Paso Electric logos that are parked near light poles – especially during overnight hours – should be considered suspicious.

Any suspicious activity can be reported immediately by calling police at (575) 526-0795.