Copper thieves are threatening to shut off Friday night lights across Northwest Indiana, but several schools are fighting back.
One of the schools impacted by the recent rash of thefts is East Chicago Central High School in Hammond, which was hit earlier this week by thieves attempting to steal copper wiring from their lighting system.
The district says that it is working with local police to find those responsible for the thefts, which impacted the school’s football and soccer fields.
"We are a very resilient community and our athletic events have not been cancelled and our students will still be participating in their scheduled events,” the district said in a statement.
The Hammond Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of those involved.
"We are hoping that this brings a greater awareness in our communities that this criminal activity is happening and will not be tolerated," Hammond police Lt. Steve Kellogg said in a news release to the Times of Northwest Indiana. "We believe that there may be people out there who know these criminals and believe them to be involved."
Police say that thieves are posing as utility workers, and often go unnoticed when they’re stealing the wiring. City officials have told reporters that the thieves have caused millions of dollars in damage with the thefts.
At Clark High School, students are preparing to celebrate their Homecoming game, but thieves have also struck that school on two different occasions, including Tuesday afternoon.
Gavit High School was also hit, and was forced to cancel a football game against East Chicago Central due to thefts.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hammond Police Department.
