Thieves steal Seattle playfield’s copper wiring

Published 9:57 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2013

SEATTLE — The lights are out at Seattle’s Delridge Playfield after thieves ripped out 1,200 feet of underground copper wiring.

KOMO-TV reported that Seattle parks workers say the thieves apparently set to work once the lights were turned off last Friday night.

Joelle Hammerstad of Seattle’s Department of Parks and Recreation said it will cost between $15,000 and $20,000 to replace the wiring. The playfield won’t be usable after dark for at least two weeks.

KOMO reported that copper is trading at $3.25 a pound, compared with 80 cents a pound a decade ago, so some people think the risk of electrocution is worth it.

Acting Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams issued a statement, asking help from neighbors to deter more criminal activity in the city’s parks.