Case Study: How Tempe, Arizona Is Winning the War Against Copper Thieves

Tempe, Arizona, like many cities across the United States, has faced the costly and dangerous problem of copper wire theft from its public infrastructure. With rising scrap metal prices fueling thefts, entire sections of the city’s street lighting network were repeatedly targeted, leading to darkened streets, safety hazards, and significant repair bills. Recognizing the urgent need for a lasting solution, Tempe decided to take a proactive approach—and that’s where End Metal Theft came in. Click here to explore Copper Wire Theft.

The city partnered with End Metal Theft to deploy their In-Ground Locking J-Box Covers. These heavy-duty covers are designed specifically to protect underground electrical junction boxes, which are common entry points for thieves seeking copper wiring. Built from strong steel and secured with tamper-resistant fasteners, the covers dramatically reduce the chances of unauthorized access.

What made this partnership effective was the city’s commitment to a comprehensive rollout. Rather than installing protective covers in only the most frequently targeted areas, Tempe opted to secure a large portion of its vulnerable infrastructure at once. This reduced the likelihood that thieves could simply move on to unprotected sites within city limits.

The results were noticeable almost immediately. Reports of copper wire theft dropped significantly in the months following installation. City crews were able to focus on regular maintenance rather than emergency repairs, and residents benefited from consistently lit streets and safer neighborhoods. The investment in theft prevention quickly paid off, saving the city thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

Tempe’s success demonstrates the value of taking a preventative, rather than reactive, stance on metal theft. By working with a specialized provider like End Metal Theft, the city was able to implement a solution that was both practical for maintenance crews and tough enough to deter criminals.

Other municipalities have since taken note, viewing Tempe as a model for how to address the metal theft problem effectively. The lesson is clear: with the right tools and a commitment to securing infrastructure, communities can break the cycle of theft and repair, protecting both their budgets and their residents.