The rising price of copper has tempted thieves to strip the copper wire from street lights faster than the Bureau of Street lighting can repair them, plunging streets into darkness. Now, copper thieves are even stealing bronze plaques and headstones from parks and cemeteries to melt them down for their copper.
Last November, Council President Krekorian and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto gave notice to metal recyclers throughout the City: recyclers must submit to police inspection, and the penalties for trafficking in stolen copper include heavy fines and serious prison time.
Over the last week, City Councilmembers proposed a set of new initiatives to combat this crime against public safety. Measures under consideration include a standing reward for information leading to the arrest of copper thieves, an LAPD copper theft task force for specified locations, and a study of replacing vandalized streetlights with wireless solar.
Ultimately, a coordinated effort of LAPD, the County Sheriff’s Department and the police forces of neighboring cities will be needed to disrupt both the supply and demand sides of an illegal trade that hurts everyone.