The attorney general’s office announced on Oct. 16, 2026, that law enforcement seized approximately four tons of copper wire; about 3,000 feet of stolen telecommunications wire were recovered in downtown Los Angeles and two people were arrested. The office gave the seized material an estimated value of about $102,000.
The operation involved the attorney general’s office, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department; officials said it was part of a statewide effort to address a surge in copper wire theft and infrastructure vandalism.
“Copper theft has a steep price, and we are ensuring that the criminals behind it are the ones who pay it, not our communities,” Attorney General said. “We will not tolerate bad actors who steal resources that plunge California neighborhoods into darkness or cut off vital emergency services. We are working with law enforcement, business leaders, and elected officials to stop this epidemic. My office is committed to preventing copper theft, securing our infrastructure, and protecting Californians.”
“Copper wire theft is not simply a property crime. It is a serious public safety concern that can disrupt essential services, damage critical infrastructure, and place our communities at risk,” Los Angeles County Sheriff said. “This operation demonstrates our Department’s commitment to proactively identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those responsible for these crimes. Through strategic enforcement efforts and collaboration with our law enforcement and community partners, we are sending a clear message that these criminal activities will not be tolerated. I commend the dedicated personnel whose hard work and investigative efforts made this operation possible. We will continue working to protect our communities, safeguard critical infrastructure, and prevent further victimization.”
The attorney general’s office said copper theft has caused disruptions to 911 and law enforcement operations; power outages; backups and safety hazards on public transit, freeways, bridges and airports; interruptions to streetlights and traffic signals; contamination of water and sewer systems; and disruptions to healthcare systems and schools.
The office urged residents to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately to prevent widespread communication disruptions and limit damage.
State
Rob Bonta
Attorney General · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Local
Robert Luna
Sheriff of Los Angeles County
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Sources & methodology
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