Denver Transit: Copper wire thefts drop 68% in 2026
The RTD Transit Police Detective Bureau has processed 25 fewer theft cases this year compared to 2025, aided by new partnerships with scrap yards.
By Nikolai Patterson ·
Eight. That is the total number of copper wire theft incidents recorded by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Transit Police through September 2026. The figure represents a 68% decline from the 25 incidents logged during the same period in 2025. This drop follows the launch of the Transit Police Detective Bureau just over a year ago, a unit tasked with investigating crimes across RTD’s 40 municipalities.
Commander Jonathan Holloway, who leads the four-detective bureau, said the unit handles a wide range of cases. These include property crimes under $300, criminal mischief, menacing, harassment, and fraud. Holloway noted that these investigations often affect both customers and the transit infrastructure. The bureau’s focused approach has led to four arrests for copper wire theft this year.
Detectives have also built relationships with local scrap metal yards. These partnerships aim to raise awareness about stolen copper from rail lines and discourage the sale of the material. The bureau also assists outside agencies with joint investigations. On October 13, RTD Transit Police officers and a K-9 unit helped the Thornton Police Department apprehend a suspect in a multi-agency search.
Because RTD Transit Police does not operate its own holding facility, the department relies on partner agencies for detainment. Holloway said these relationships allow for more effective coordination during arrests. All RTD-PD officers receive training to document incidents and follow in-custody arrest procedures specific to the counties in the service area. This process helps streamline case filings and ensures timely criminal submissions.
A victim’s advocate specialist has supported operators and individuals through the court process over the past year. The agency also uses “Be On the Lookout” notices to share suspect information among law enforcement partners. RTD updates security metrics monthly to track performance. On average, the district records one security-related call for every 2,330 boardings.
Reports of illicit drug activity have also decreased. The agency noted a more than 50% reduction in these reports for most months in 2026, continuing a trend of improvement from 2025. RTD recently released a new mobile app called NextRide. The app allows customers to report unwanted activity, purchase digital fares, and plan trips.
The Transit Police Department continues to monitor these metrics to maintain a secure environment for riders and employees. The data reflects the current state of security operations across the transit network.
