By The Associated Press
TACOMA (AP) — Copper thieves have hit a section on state Route 16 about 20 times in recent months, costing taxpayers about $170,000.
The thieves are tearing out the wiring for the lights along the highway. A four-mile stretch near Cheney Stadium in Tacoma is a favorite spot.
The state Department of Transportation says every time they fix it, the thieves come back.
In some cases, they believe the thieves pose as construction crews and steal the wire in the middle of the day.
State Patrol troopers have stepped up patrols in the area. They have tried welding the boxes shut or putting on locks, but nothing has helped.
