Copper Wire Theft Leaves LA in The Dark

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): As the theft of metal from street lights, tombstones, fire hydrants and train lines continues to plague Los Angeles, city officials on Tuesday endorsed a plan that aims to regulate how often-stolen metals can be purchased and sold.

The City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to support AB 476. Authored by Assemblyman Mark Gonzalez, D-Los Angeles, the bill would mandate requirements for recordkeeping and restrictions on who can sell to metal dealers. It would also prohibit junk dealers and recyclers from purchasing nonferrous metals from people under 18 years of age and prohibit the sale of scrap metal copper by individuals without a valid license.

According to the resolution, these surges in theft of precious metals are a result of organized criminals that use social media to coordinate their activities and hit multiple locations simultaneously. The issue is further exacerbated when some recycling centers and scrap yards receive and resell stolen metals.

"These thefts have left neighborhoods without street lighting, internet service, and other critical utilities, creating safety hazards and inconveniences for residents," reads a report from the city's chief legislative analyst.

Since January 2024, the new 6th Street Viaduct — whose brightly lit arches had opened just two years earlier — has been left completely dark after thieves stripped approximately seven miles of copper wiring worth $11,000 from the structure, according to city officials.

"Repairing the damage caused by copper wire theft often costs far more than the value of the stolen
metal," the analyst's report reads.

Additionally, the Los Angeles Police Department have recovered some 46,000 worth of stolen copper and aluminum from a single recycling center in the San Fernando Valley, officials said.

"The City is actively taking steps to redesign infrastructure to deter thieves. The Bureau of Street Lighting is reinforcing vulnerable components by using cement and steel to better secure electrical systems. The Bureau has installed 1,000 solar-powered lights that don’t rely on an external electric connection. Alarms have also been implemented on pull boxes, and cameras have been installed to surveil electrical access points," the analyst wrote.

Since the LAPD launched its Heavy Metal Task Force in January 2024, it has recovered over 2,000 pounds of stolen copper wire and made 82 arrests in connection with the thefts, according to city officials.

The assembly bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on May 23. Further consideration on the item is required by legislators.

Courtesy: www.patch.com