Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) uncovered stolen copper cable at a business in the 2200 block of Tyler Avenue in South El Monte on Aug. 6. The cables, believed to belong to a major telecommunications provider, were traced to the site after a routine inspection prompted by a surge in metal theft throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Law‑enforcement response and coordination
The Major Crimes Bureau’s Metal Theft Detail, assisted by detectives from Temple Sheriff’s Station and South El Monte code‑enforcement officers, conducted the inspection. According to the sheriff’s department, the business owner purchased the cables from a licensed vendor without knowledge they were stolen. Loss‑prevention staff from the telecommunications company confirmed the cables’ ownership by markings on the outer insulation.
While no arrests have been made, the investigation remains active. LASD officials say the value of the stolen material is often far less than the damage it causes, which can include costly repairs, utility outages and interruptions to critical public services.
Targeted patrols and preventive measures
In response to the growing problem, each LASD patrol station now assigns at least one detective to monitor metal‑theft activity in its area. Major Crimes Bureau detectives also work with civilian investigators to inspect recycling facilities and identify individuals attempting to sell stolen copper.
Deputies and detectives have received specialized training on telecommunications‑cable and component theft. They also participate in a Southern California metal‑theft working group that includes telecom companies and both local and state law‑enforcement partners.
Guidance for businesses and the public
LASD urges businesses to treat copper and other valuable metals as critical assets. Recommended steps include securing materials, improving lighting and surveillance, controlling access to equipment and storage yards, and maintaining strong locks and fencing. Prompt reporting of suspicious activity is also emphasized.
The department warns residents not to confront thieves directly. Instead, callers should dial 911 during an ongoing crime, providing as much detail as safely possible—location, description of persons or vehicles, direction of travel and license‑plate numbers. For completed thefts, reports can be filed with the local agency or through LASD’s online reporting system.
Anyone with information about organized retail theft, cargo theft or metal theft is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force at [email protected] or 562‑946‑7270. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers.
Emerging trends
Investigators have identified several trends: thieves are targeting easily accessible, high‑value copper and rooftop HVAC equipment; illegal, makeshift recycling operations are on the rise, often using box trucks, large containers and scales to process non‑ferrous metals outside regulated facilities. LASD is finalizing a “Recycling Center Application” to better track data from legitimate recycling centers and curb these illicit operations.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
