Copper Thief Disrupts Subway Service in NYC

Last month, a recurring copper thief caused significant disruptions in the subway system. A wire theft resulted in a cut that affected tunnel signals and led to numerous delays, as reported by the MTA this week.

The individual behind the theft, 55-year-old Efrain Velez, reportedly stole copper wire directly off the tracks at the Grand Concourse Station in the Bronx back in October, forcing the station to close for three days.

This incident triggered a switch in signals from green to red in the Grand Concourse Tunnel, leading to delays across more than 755 subway lines, including Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

At a recent MTA Board meeting, NYC Transit Authority President Demetrius Crichlow stated that the drop in on-time performance during weekdays in October was largely attributed to a series of unusual vandalism acts, three of which were traced back to the same person.

The police managed to apprehend Velez on October 14 after an MTA worker spotted him climbing a gate and cutting the tracks near Platforms 2 and 5 at Grand Concourse, according to an NYPD spokesperson.

Following his arrest, Velez faced charges of criminal mischief and trespassing in the construction area. This incident marks just one of multiple arrests for Velez this year. In fact, he was arrested twice earlier this year for similar offenses involving metal and wire theft from Bronx businesses and, on October 2, for trespassing in the Union Square train tunnel.

Interestingly, Velez isn’t the first person to make a name for such activities. Prince Hayes, aged 63, has earned a reputation among law enforcement for his almost four-decade-long career in metal theft, which ultimately led to a lifetime ban from the MTA.

Copper wire, often referred to as “mongo,” currently has a market value of $5 per pound, which makes it appealing for resale at recycling centers and scrapyards.