Copper Cable Stolen From Telecom Company Found During Metal-Theft Crackdown: LASD

SOUTH EL MONTE, CA — Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators recovered suspected stolen copper cable during an inspection of a South El Monte business this month as authorities continue targeting metal theft across the region.

Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau’s Metal Theft Detail inspected a location in the 2200 block of Tyler Avenue on Thursday, Aug. 6, according to the department.

The inspection was part of an ongoing response to copper wire and metal thefts across Los Angeles County, particularly in the San Gabriel Valley, where thieves have targeted communications lines, public transit systems and public facilities, authorities said.

Investigators found several pieces of copper cable believed to have been stolen from a major telecommunications company, according to LASD.

The business owner told investigators the cable had been purchased from a licensed vendor and that the owner did not know it may have been stolen. Loss prevention employees from the telecommunications company responded and identified the cable as company property based on markings on its outer insulation, authorities said.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Temple Sheriff’s Station detectives and South El Monte Code Enforcement officers assisted with the inspection.

The Sheriff’s Department said each patrol station has designated at least one detective to monitor metal theft in its area. Major Crimes Bureau investigators also work with civilian investigators to inspect recycling facilities and identify people suspected of trying to sell stolen copper.

Authorities said investigators have recently seen thieves target easily accessible copper and rooftop HVAC equipment. They have also identified illegal makeshift recycling operations, which may use box trucks, large containers and scales to buy or process nonferrous metals outside regulated recycling facilities.

LASD said it is also in the final stages of implementing a recycling center application designed to track data from recycling facilities and help investigators identify potential criminal activity.

Copper theft can cause damage far exceeding the value of the stolen material, disrupting businesses, utilities, telecommunications networks and access to public services, according to the department.

Businesses are encouraged to secure valuable metals, improve lighting and surveillance, limit access to equipment and storage areas and maintain effective locks and fencing.

Anyone who sees a metal theft in progress should avoid confronting the suspect and call 911, authorities said. Witnesses should provide information such as the location, descriptions of people or vehicles, direction of travel and license plate numbers when it is safe to do so.

Anyone with information about metal theft can contact the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force at orctf@lasd.org or 562-946-7270. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477.