A reflective orange label on a metal utility pole base in Minneapolis reads “Aluminum Wiring Inside – No Scrap Value,” a deterrent to metal theft common in urban infrastructure. These signs are typically installed by city or utility crews to reduce vandalism and theft of copper wiring from streetlights and signal systems. Aluminum, though less conductive than copper, is widely used for cost and safety reasons in public electrical networks across Minneapolis and other U.S. cities.

A light pole near a city intersection in Minneapolis shows exposed and stripped wiring — the result of ongoing copper theft that has plagued the city’s infrastructure in recent years. Thieves pry open the access panels at the base of streetlights to remove the copper cabling inside, often leaving entire blocks without functioning lights.

Copper’s rising market value has made it a frequent target for theft across Minneapolis, affecting not only street lighting but also traffic signals, HVAC systems, and even public art installations. City crews routinely repair these damages, but replacement costs can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Officials have experimented with deterrents such as tamper-proof covers and non-copper wiring, yet the problem persists, reflecting a broader challenge faced by municipalities nationwide.