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Mar Vista Faces Dark Epidemic Amid Copper Wire Thefts

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Copper wire thefts in Los Angeles' Mar Vista neighborhood have left residents in darkness and cost taxpayers millions.
Thieves strip streetlights of copper wiring and sell it for cash.
Councilwoman Traci Park described the situation as an epidemic, noting dangers from non-functioning streetlights during emergencies.
The Heavy Metal Task Force has made over 100 arrests and recovered stolen copper, with funding exhausted.

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Story summary

Copper wire thefts in Los Angeles' Mar Vista neighborhood have left residents in darkness and cost taxpayers millions.
Thieves strip streetlights of copper wiring and sell it for cash.
Councilwoman Traci Park described the situation as an epidemic, noting dangers from non-functioning streetlights during emergencies.
The Heavy Metal Task Force has made over 100 arrests and recovered stolen copper, with funding exhausted.