Rising Copper Prices Lead to Increased Thefts Threatening Infrastructure

The surge in copper prices, which have risen over 30% this year, has led to a dramatic increase in thefts across the United States, particularly affecting infrastructure in California and Texas. In Los Angeles, thieves have stolen over 38,000 feet of copper wire from the Sixth Street Bridge alone, resulting in $2.5 million in damages. The ongoing thefts have caused significant disruptions, including outages in streetlights and telecommunications, impacting public safety. In response, California has enacted stricter laws to combat copper theft and protect infrastructure. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to copper theft.

Key Details: • Copper prices have increased by over 30% in 2023. • Los Angeles has faced over 15,000 attacks on communication networks due to copper theft. • California has passed new legislation to increase penalties for copper theft. • AT&T offers rewards of up to $20,000 for information leading to arrests in copper theft cases.