Metal thieves stole copper wire from the Westside athletic fields at 571 North McLean Boulevard.

They broke into electrical boxes sometime last week, pulling copper wire out of the conduits running between the power source and the field lighting. More than 20,000 feet of wiring was taken weighing approximately 1,200 pounds.

The theft at the city-owned field could impact spring league play.

Police believe the thieves have a working knowledge of electrical systems because they were able to identify and cut live wires. Much of the theft happened away from the streets, which allowed the thieves to take their time stealing the wire.

There were four types of wire stolen - #4 wire four gauge, #6 wire six gauge, #8 wire eight gauge, and #10 wire ten gauge. Police say the wire is stranded (not solid) wire and most of it is marked as being "oil and has resistant". Some of the colors of the wire include six gauge green wire and the ten gauge wire includes brown, yellow, orange and black colors. Some of the green #6 wire was made on 3-23-2004 and will have the number E156879. Some of the #10 yellow wire is branded with Cerro Wire Vinylon-A. Some of the brown #10 wire has Essex Brand "E53446-K" on it while some of the orange #10 wire is branded with the number "E156879".

The damage will cost thousands of dollars to repair. Police estimate the scrap value of the wire for thieves at $3,000.

Other recent thefts have occured at Garvey Park at 3501 S. Washington, the Emery Memorial Park BMX track at 2325 E. MacArthur, Aley Park at 1803 S. Seneca, and at Southview Park, 2215 W. 45th St. South. At Aley Park, copper wire connected to lights at the tennis courts was taken. At Southview Park, wire was taken from general lighting and lights at the tennis courts.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for help solving the crime. Call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111 or click the link below to submit a tip.