LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Assemblymember Mark González and Mayor Karen Bass visited Koreatown businesses to discuss the real-world consequences of copper wire theft and to announce her support for AB 1941.
Pictured above is BCD Tofu House in Koreatown, which has been impacted by copper wire theft along Wilshire Boulevard. B-roll and photos from the business visit can be found here.
Cracking Down on Organized Metal Theft
AB 1941, authored by the Assemblymember, was introduced to combat organized metal theft in Los Angeles and across California. Up and down the state, we have seen families left in darkness, while thieves use our cities like scrap yards.
"Copper wire thieves have taken it too damn far," said Assemblymember Mark González. "Time and time again, we see news stories of thieves destroying street lighting, cutting phone lines, or even damaging public transportation infrastructure – walking away with scraps worth a couple of hundred bucks, yet costing our cities millions in repairs.
"Copper wire theft isn't just a nuisance – it degrades our neighborhoods, harms businesses, and is a threat to public safety," said Mayor Bass. "We're taking action locally to install solar street lights and train LAPD officers in every part of L.A. to go after these criminals, and AB 1941 brings in the full weight of the State of California to back us up. We are committed to fighting this reckless crime and ensure those responsible face serious consequences."
Copper wire theft is a leading cause of streetlight outages in Los Angeles. AB 1941 seeks to strengthen enforcement by targeting repeat and organized offenders who steal or traffic stolen materials and establish a statewide data-sharing tool to allow law enforcement, public agencies, and private partners (telecom companies, recycling centers, etc.) to share information and track organized theft operations.
"With this legislation, we shine a light through the darkness and emphasize the real issue, said the Assemblymember. "There are bad actors, treating our neighborhoods like scrap yards – taking wires and metal parts from our city infrastructure just to make a quick buck. We need to come together to remind these vandals that endangering our communities with a senseless crime will come with hefty consequences."
Recent examples include:
- Sixth Street Bridge ("Ribbon of Light"), Los Angeles – In late 2023, thieves stole 38,000 feet (seven miles) of copper wire, valued at only $11,000, plunging the bridge into darkness. Repairs are projected at over $2.5 million and have yet to be completed.
- Pico-Union street lighting (Los Angeles) – In July 2024, multiple blocks lost streetlight service due to copper theft, raising safety concerns amid delayed repairs.
- Landline and internet services halt (Hacienda Heights) – In November 2024, repeated theft interrupted landline and internet service for residents in Hacienda Heights and surrounding areas, forcing students out of school, disrupting 911 and emergency alerts.
- Power outage and school closure (Vallejo) – In January 2025, copper theft shut down a school, cancelling classes and delaying sporting events until repairs could be completed.
- Record-high streetlight outages (Los Angeles) – In 2025, LA neighborhoods reported unprecedented streetlight failures, primarily due to theft and vandalism, raising public safety concerns and slowing response times.
- Senior residents in South L.A. – In May 2025, theft cut landline service for thousands of seniors and residents across South Los Angeles.
- Telecommunications outages (Ventura County) – In June 2025, attempted copper theft nearly severed internet service across L.A.–Ventura counties, threatening hospitals, schools, and transit systems.
- Fiber optic vandalism – In October 2025, vandals targeted Verizon's fiber cables (which do not include copper), leaving thousands without internet or phone service.
- Street Lighting – In March 2026, vandals stripped more street lighting in Long Beach
- Near LAX – In January 2026, Copper Wire Thieves Caught Near LAX
"Across Los Angeles, especially in Koreatown, the most densely populated neighborhood in our city, we are seeing firsthand how copper wire theft is stealing away our peace of mind and our city's budget dollars," said Steve Kang, President of the Board of Public Works. "AB 1941 will strengthen our ability to track, prevent, and respond to organized metal theft through improved data-sharing and coordination. This legislation will provide our agencies with the tools needed to better protect critical infrastructure, hold bad actors accountable, and safeguard the communities we serve."
The legislation is sponsored by CalBroadband, the League of California Cities, and USTelecom – The Broadband Association.
Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.
CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; Jaspreet.Johl@asm.ca.gov; (916) 335-8871
Kyle Johnson; Kyle.Johnson@asm.ca.gov; (925) 549-2030
