SOUTH EL MONTE (CNS) – Investigators working cases of copper wire theft reported Monday that they found stolen cables that had been sold to a business in South El Monte, reportedly unbeknownst to the proprietor, as efforts to combat metal theft continue.
Investigators assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau’s Metal Theft Detail found the cables while inspecting a location in the 2200 block of Tyler Avenue in South El Monte on Aug. 6, sheriff’s officials said.
“The inspection was conducted in response to ongoing copper wire and metal thefts throughout Los Angeles County, particularly in the San Gabriel Valley, where communication lines, public transit systems and public facilities have been repeatedly affected,” according to the sheriff’s department, which said the investigators were assisted by Temple Sheriff’s Station detectives and South El Monte Code Enforcement officers.
Several pieces of copper cable, which investigators believe belonged to a major telecommunications company, were located.
“The business owner stated the cables had been purchased from a licensed vendor without knowledge they may have been stolen,” according to the sheriff’s department. “Loss Prevention personnel from the telecommunications company responded and confirmed the cables belonged to the company based on markings on the outer insulation. The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.”
Wire thefts have led to service disruptions throughout Los Angeles County, prompting the sheriff’s department to respond with targeted patrols, identification of vulnerable locations, analysis of theft patterns and coordination with businesses and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
“Each LASD patrol station has designated at least one detective to monitor metal theft activity in its area,” the department reports. “Major Crimes Bureau detectives also work with civilian investigators to inspect recycling facilities and identify individuals attempting to sell stolen copper wire.”
The department has trained patrol deputies and detectives regarding telecommunications cable and component thefts.
“Major Crimes Bureau investigators also participate in a Southern California metal theft working group composed of telecommunications companies and both local and state law-enforcement partners,” the department stated. “Businesses are encouraged to treat copper and other valuable metals as critical assets by securing materials, improving lighting and surveillance, controlling access to equipment and storage yards and maintaining effective locks, fencing and promptly reporting suspicious activity.”
The department noted that “the value of the stolen material is often substantially less than the damage it causes.”
“These crimes can result in costly repairs, business interruptions, utility and telecommunications outages and the loss of access to critical public services. Investigators have identified several emerging trends, including thieves targeting accessible, high value copper and rooftop HVAC equipment. The Department has also identified illegal, makeshift recycling operations as an emerging trend. These operations may use box trucks, large containers and scales to purchase or process nonferrous metals outside regulated recycling facilities,” according to the LASD, which is in the final stages of implementing a “Recycling Center Application” to track data from recycling centers.
The department warned members of the public not to confront metal thieves.
“Call 911 when a crime is in progress and provide as much information as you safely can, including the location, a description of the person or vehicle, the direction of travel and a license plate number. If the theft has already occurred, report it promptly to your local law-enforcement agency. Incidents can also be reported through LASD’s online reporting system,” the department said.
Anyone with information regarding organized retail theft, cargo theft or metal theft was urged to contact the sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force at ORCTF@LASD.ORG or 562-946-7270. Anonymous tips can be supplied through L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://lacrimestoppers.org
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