Crime & Safety

City Park Targeted in Copper Wire Thefts

Nighttime softball games canceled; Loss estimated at $5,000

The theft of nearly 2,000 feet of copper wire from Prince Park have put a temporary halt to softball games at the Eastside park.

Last Friday, someone made off with up to 1,800 feet of wire taken from six light poles in the park, according to Assistant City Manager Scott Brodhun. That means games for the city's adult softball league will be cancelled until the lights can be repaired, hopefully as soon as this Thursday, although the rains may push the repairs into early next week.

Over the past year, the city has experienced an increase in copper thefts, but this is the first time a city park has been targeted, Brodhun said. Police estimate the value of taken wire at $5,000.

The theft also caused two red beacon lights on top of the light poles to shut down. Nearby Petaluma Airport had been using the beacon lights let aircraft know that there was an obstruction in their flight path and have yet to be repaired, said Bob Patterson, the airport manager.

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However, there is no danger to planes that are taking off and landing, according to Patterson.

Police are asking anyone with any information about the incident to contact Officer Pat Gerke at 707-778-4372.

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