In Milwaukee, neighborhoods and communities have experienced significant damage to public infrastructure as copper thieves have been stealing the copper out of streetlights, costing taxpayers.
Milwaukee has experienced approximately 250 copper wire thefts over the past two years, costing the city more than $830,000. On October 26, Milwaukee authorities announced felony charges against three men allegedly involved in the thefts: Alvin Clifton Harris, 51, Mario Gill, 55, and Daryll Horton, 58. (RELATED: Crowley Under Fire After Inmate Tablet Program Fails to Protect Victims)
Harris, reportedly nicknamed the “Green Goblin,” allegedly helped coordinate thefts targeting underground electrical infrastructure. The defendants face charges connected to approximately $10,000 in stolen copper and property damage. The city’s $830,000 figure reflects the broader theft problem around Milwaukee to city property, not just the crimes of the men arrested.
Milwaukee Police Department reported thefts increased 8% during the first nine months of 2026, rising from 5,182 incidents in 2025 to 5,572 this year. Burglaries also increased 5%, from 1,463 to 1,536. Residents in Riverwest, Harambee, Rufus King, and Riverside Park reported streetlight outages that persisted for days or weeks, stemming from these crimes.
Criminals have used sledgehammers, tampered with secured electrical boxes, and even used vehicles to rip underground wiring infrastructure from the ground. In August alone, approximately 75 copper theft incidents were reported which has overwhelmed city repair crews. By September, the damage had already cost Milwaukee between $600,000 and $650,000 in labor and materials. (RELATED: Billions in Improper Medicaid Payments Fuel Calls for Greater Oversight)
Overall thefts in the City of Milwaukee increased 8% during the first nine months of 2026, rising from 5,182 incidents to 5,572. Burglaries increased 5%, from 1,463 to 1,536. Gubernatorial candidate David Crowley’s recent decision to discontinue funding for Flock Safety license plate readers has also generated controversy within the law enforcement community. Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball criticized the removal of the cameras, warning that eliminating the technology could make criminal investigations more difficult and increase crime in county parks.
