Thieves Steal Copper Wire from Denver Music Venue, Leaving Business Without Power
Roxy on Broadway, a Denver live music restaurant, fell victim to copper wire theft early Wednesday morning, a crime that electricians say is becoming more common in the metro area. Surveillance footage shows two suspects wearing ‘Security’ jackets and headlamps breaking into the venue’s electrical boxes before dawn, cutting out all copper wiring and feeders supplying power to the building.
The power outage lasted all day, leading to tens of thousands of dollars in losses, including spoiled food and missed deliveries. Manager Heather Wolfram expressed frustration, calling the repeated crimes heartbreaking for a business that strives to support local artists and musicians. This marks the third break-in at Roxy in just over a year, following a window-smashing incident in December and a burglary and arson case in January.
Electricians working to restore power suggest that out-of-work electricians may be responsible, as the stolen materials were cut in a way that left them repairable. The value of copper at scrapyards continues to rise, making these thefts a growing problem for commercial businesses.
Instead of starting a fundraiser, Roxy on Broadway is asking for community support by encouraging people to attend their events, including open mic nights, DJ sets, jazz performances, and dance parties. Experts recommend cameras and alarm systems to help deter future thefts as small businesses continue to face these costly challenges.
