The rising price of copper has enticed criminals to strip the wire from street lights, traffic signals and other public property throughout Los Angeles, leaving many neighborhoods in the dark and endangering the lives and safety of our residents. Many locations have been vandalized repeatedly, imposing substantial costs on the City.
Most criminals engaged in the theft of copper are seeking a quick and anonymous payoff for their stolen wares. State laws require all purchasers of copper to collect identification from sellers, and observe a three-day waiting period before making payment, but unscrupulous recyclers are clearly ignoring the law’s requirements.
In partnership with Council President Krekorian, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has now sent letters to more than 600 recyclers throughout Los Angeles, warning them that police can inspect their records at any time, and that failure to cooperate with an inspection, and failure to keep accurate records, can incur substantial penalties. Knowingly trading in stolen copper is punishable by imprisonment.
This is no longer just a matter of petty theft. This is a crime that directly impacts public safety. This is a crime that puts lives at risk. It’s a crime that makes our neighborhoods darker and more dangerous,” said Council President Paul Krekorian. "Shutting down the market for stolen copper should remove the incentive for this particular crime."