The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion Tuesday to combat the growing crisis of copper wire, catalytic converter and other non-ferrous metal theft as the region prepares to host major international sporting events.
The motion, authored by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn, comes as Los Angeles prepares to welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Copper theft is not a low-level crime," Barger said. "It jeopardizes public safety, disrupts essential services, and drains taxpayer resources."
The board action directs county departments, law enforcement agencies and key stakeholders to develop a coordinated, countywide strategy to prevent theft, protect infrastructure and safeguard residents and businesses. Officials must report back within 90 days outlining prevention strategies, enforcement improvements and the projected impact on upcoming international events.
Copper theft has surged in recent years, disrupting street lighting, emergency communications, water systems and transportation networks. Since 2020, repair costs in the city of Los Angeles alone have exceeded $100 million.
"Too many of our neighborhoods and roads have been left in the dark because of copper theft," Hahn said. "This is a widespread problem that has been difficult for local governments and agencies to solve on their own."
Recent incidents include thefts from damaged properties in fire-impacted communities like Altadena, while rural areas and cities across the San Gabriel Valley have experienced repeated thefts affecting communications, sanitation systems and street lighting.
The motion calls for collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, District Attorney, Public Works, utility providers, telecommunications companies and local jurisdictions to develop solutions including infrastructure hardening, enhanced data-sharing and stronger enforcement strategies.
Edited by SMDP Staff