California Attorney General Rob Bonta convened a roundtable in San Jose with local law enforcement, business leaders, utilities, and government officials to address the growing problem of copper wire theft across the state. This event is part of a broader statewide initiative responding to an increase in incidents that have led to power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and threats to public safety.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the seriousness of these crimes: “Thieves who seek to profit from stolen copper wire aren’t just committing a crime, too often they are damaging critical infrastructure and endangering our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “While the value of copper remains high, we can expect copper wire will continue to be a target of theft and vandalism — which is why we are bringing together Northern California leaders today to discuss collaborative solutions. From law enforcement to state and local government, the telecommunications industry to the business community, and more: we all have a role to play in preventing copper theft, safeguarding our infrastructure, and protecting Californians. DOJ stands ready to support local law enforcement and work together to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.”
A recent bulletin released by the California Department of Justice outlines relevant statutes on copper wire theft as well as regulations requiring junk dealers and recyclers to document transactions involving copper.
Between June and December 2024, nearly 6,000 incidents of copper theft or infrastructure vandalism were reported nationwide by the telecommunications industry. About one-third of those cases—1,805 incidents—occurred in California. Thieves typically steal encased copper cables, cut them into short pieces, burn off insulation to expose raw copper, then sell it at scrap yards. Some scrap metal dealers reportedly accept this material without verifying its origin during periods when demand is high.
The impact of these thefts extends beyond financial loss. Disruptions caused by stolen or damaged infrastructure include interruptions in emergency response systems such as 911 services; power outages; hazards on transportation networks like freeways and airports; malfunctioning streetlights and traffic signals; contamination risks for water systems; disabled electric vehicle charging stations; and service interruptions affecting healthcare facilities and schools.
Authorities urge residents who witness suspicious activity related to utility or communications equipment to report it immediately so that potential damage can be minimized.
A copy of the law enforcement bulletin referenced by Attorney General Bonta is available here.
