LAPD Arrests Two in $50M Copper Wire Theft, LA Council Approves Reward Program

The Los Angeles Police Department arrested two suspects, Concepcion Vasquez and Jose Garcia Avila, in connection with the attempted theft of $50,000 worth of copper wire in Mission Hills. The arrests occurred after officers responded to a report of grand theft in progress, where four suspects were found cutting copper wire from an electrical pole; two suspects escaped, and the investigation is ongoing with additional arrests expected. This incident coincided with the Los Angeles City Council's approval of a Metal and Wire Theft Reward program, aimed at combating widespread copper wire and metal theft across the city by offering monetary rewards for information leading to arrests. The ordinance, now awaiting Mayor Karen Bass's consideration, proposes rewards of up to $5,000 for felony grand theft involving metals and city property. Officials emphasized the importance of community vigilance, as the tipster's call helped thwart the theft, embodying the program’s goal of encouraging public assistance in such cases. Copper wire theft has significantly impacted city infrastructure, contributing to numerous streetlight outages and safety concerns in Los Angeles.