Cables full of copper wire (File Photo – Matt Brown)
Pasadena police have marked a considerable increase in thefts of copper wiring from streetlights and other public utilities since November of 2023.
By Briony James
Dozens of street lamps, electrical boxes at street level, and traffic lights have been stripped bare of copper wiring by thieves who sell the valuable copper to junkers and resellers. These thieves put the public in danger by damaging these utilities and increasing the danger of fires. They also leave high-voltage electrical boxes open, creating a very real public danger.
The Pasadena police are requesting the public’s aid to expose and apprehend these thieves. The crimes are generally committed at night. The public is urged to contact the Pasadena Police Dept. with any information that will help. The City also warns people to stay away from damaged electrical boxes and to use extra caution when driving down streets where streetlights have been disabled.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the city of Pasadena established a $20,000 reward to help identify individuals stealing copper from street lights, city stock yards, and other public sites.
If you see a damaged light or box or witness suspicious persons hanging around such boxes or lights, call (626)- 744-4241, report information anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by using the website lacrimestoppers.org.
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