Full Breakdown
Copper Theft Disrupts Internet and Street Lighting in Van Nuys
4/1/2026, 11:02:22 PM
Overview of the Incident
In Van Nuys, Los Angeles, a recent incident of copper theft has left residents without internet service and street lighting. The theft occurred around 3 a.m. near Hazeltine Avenue and Sherman Way, where two suspects were captured on surveillance video extracting copper wire from underground access hatches. One suspect was shirtless and masked, while the other wore a hoodie. Witness Candace Cervantes, who recorded the incident, described hearing a loud noise and witnessing the thieves actively removing the wire.
Details of the Theft
Cervantes reported that one thief acted as a lookout while the other pulled the wire from the ground. The thieves were seen tying a long black cable to their vehicle, indicating their intent to steal as much copper as possible. Local police response was criticized for being slow, with Cervantes noting that it took over an hour for officers to arrive at the scene. By the time police responded, the suspects had already completed their theft and fled the area.
Ongoing Issue of Copper Theft
Copper theft has become a persistent problem in Los Angeles, exacerbated by rising metal prices. Thieves often target copper wire from various locations, including streetlights and even Little League fields, to sell for profit in scrap markets. The impact of these thefts has been significant, with some neighborhoods experiencing prolonged outages. AT&T workers indicated that additional crews from Northern California had to be deployed to restore service to affected areas, with some residents reportedly without service for four to five months.
Official Responses and Future Solutions
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has acknowledged the ongoing issue and proposed a solution to mitigate future thefts. She believes that installing solar-powered streetlights could deter thieves, making it more difficult for them to access copper wiring. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and restore reliable service to neighborhoods plagued by repeated thefts.
Community Sentiment
Residents like Cervantes express frustration over the recurring thefts and the slow police response. "It’s annoying, it’s frustrating," she remarked, highlighting the negative impact on community life. The ongoing thefts have raised concerns about safety and the reliability of essential services in the area.
Conclusion
The copper theft incident in Van Nuys underscores a broader issue affecting Los Angeles, where rising metal prices have led to increased criminal activity targeting infrastructure. As local authorities explore solutions like solar-powered streetlights, community members continue to voice their concerns over safety and service reliability.
