Copper thieves darken parks, threaten Camden event

Copper wire thievery has left many Camden city parks in the dark.

 

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that copper wire is routinely harvested from lighting systems and has left several park completely without illumination.

 

With few exceptions, the cash-strapped city can’t afford to make repairs. And it’s not just parks. Street lights, heating equipment and air conditioners are also routinely stripped. “Every piece of wire is being stolen,” said one official.

 

A planned event, called Camden’s Peace on the Street, may have to be canceled because the venue that was to host it has been denuded of copper.