Losses caused by theft of public lighting equipment will reach R$ 5 million in 2025.

Investments in protection, technology, and awareness reinforce the preservation of the lighting system. Photo: Courtesy of RioLuz

Throughout 2025, RioLuz recorded estimated losses of approximately R$ 5 million due to theft and vandalism against the public lighting network in the city of Rio de Janeiro. During that period, approximately 118 kilometers of cables were stolen, an amount sufficient to install a lighting network connecting roughly Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis, in addition to the theft of 103 light fixtures.

To address this situation, the company invested over R$ 3 million in protection and anti-theft measures implemented throughout the year. Key measures included replacing 454 manhole covers with concrete, installing 1.143 cameras at strategic points in the city, replacing 153 kilometers of copper cables with aluminum cables (which have a lower commercial value on the black market), and physically protecting light fixtures with gridded enclosures.

According to the president of RioLuz, Rafael Thompson, the data reflects the direct impact of the actions implemented throughout the year.

"These investments demonstrate that adopting integrated solutions strengthens public lighting infrastructure and ensures greater efficiency in providing services to the population, in addition to preserving public resources," he stated.

In addition to structural interventions, RioLuz's strategy includes continuous monitoring and socio-educational actions, which guide the population on the importance of preserving public property and reporting cases of theft and vandalism by calling 190, contributing to urban security and the maintenance of the city's lighting.