If residents notice that the street lights are 'on' during daytime hours, please know that this is intentional.

In addition, the thieves often do significant additional damage to the internal conduits, external base, and entire system which takes additional time, resources, and costs to be repaired and replaced along with the missing wire. Stealing the wire from the street lights is not only illegal and leaves many of our neighborhoods, roadways, and parks dark for extended periods of time, but also can be dangerous to the thieves – as we are leaving more lights energized during the day to deter theft. While this issue is not unique for other cities and municipalities across the nation, Saint Paul has seen an increase in wire theft since early 2021.

In the recent years the City of Saint Paul has experienced significant and reoccurring theft of the wire from street light fixtures both in City right of way and parks. Street lights can also serve as a general deterrent for unlawful activities. The City of Saint Paul Department of Public Works maintains more than 37,000 street lights and 32,000 light poles throughout Saint Paul. Street lights are a critical part of the City’s infrastructure because they provide illumination for safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle access within the City right of way (sidewalks, boulevards and streets). Why Are The Street Lights Out or Dark? Wire Theft

Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity.

Ward 1 - Councilmember Balenger (Interim).

How do the street lights work