Los Angeles Launches Reward Program to Combat Rising Metal Theft Crisis
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Los Angeles is taking a firm stance against the escalating theft of public infrastructure with the approval of a new Metal and Theft Reward Program, aimed at curbing crimes like copper wire theft that disrupt essential services and erode public spaces.
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted 11-2 to establish the program,which will offer financial incentives for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible for stealing city property. The ordinance is now under consideration by Mayor Karen Bass. Rewards will be tiered, with $5,000 offered for information related to felony grand theft and $1,000 for misdemeanor theft. Targeted items include city plaques, tombstones, statues, light standards, copper wire, and metals stolen from the iconic Sixth Street Bridge.
The initiative stems from a growing concern over organized crime impacting the city’s infrastructure. As one official stated, “Copper wire and other metal theft isn’t pretty – it’s organized crime that darkens our streets, cuts the internet to homes and schools, and robs us of our history when they steal statues and historic markers.” The program is designed to directly address this issue, protecting vital services and ancient landmarks.
Sixth Street Bridge Theft Spurs Action
The surge in metal theft, notably the brazen incidents on the Sixth Street Bridge in 2024, served as a catalyst for the new ordinance. in response, the Los Angeles Police Department and city officials formed the Heavy Metal Task Force to specifically target metal theft in downtown Los Angeles and parts of the San Fernando Valley.
[Image of the 6th Street Bridge in Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, July 27, 2022. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)]
According to a report from the City Attorney’s Office, the LAPD anticipates the reward program will considerably aid in identifying, apprehending, and convicting individuals involved in these crimes. The program’s success hinges on community involvement, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity.
Did you know? – The Sixth Street Bridge has been a major target for metal theft, prompting the formation of a special task force.
Beyond Rewards: New State Legislation Targets Scrap Metal Dealers
The city’s efforts are being bolstered by new state legislation.Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 476, authored by Assemblyman mark González, D-Los Angeles, into law. This bill aims to tighten regulations on junk dealers and recyclers, requiring them to maintain detailed transaction records and verify the identity and ownership of metals they purchase.
The legislation also criminalizes the possession of certain scrap metal – including components from streetlights, traffic signals, and plaques – without proper documentation, with increased penalties for violations. “Copper theft is not a victimless crime. It’s costing cities millions, endangering residents, and overwhelming local resources,” González explained in a statement. “AB 476 gives law enforcement and cities additional tools to track illegal transactions, stop thieves and hold bad actors accountable.”
Pro tip: – AB 476 aims to make it harder for thieves to sell stolen metal by increasing regulations on scrap metal dealers.
Addressing Underlying Infrastructure Issues
While the reward program and new legislation represent proactive steps, some council members emphasize the need to address underlying issues contributing to infrastructure failures. Councilman Hugo Soto-martinez highlighted that approximately 60% of streetlight outages are due to neglected maintenance, not theft. “Actually, it’s just regular maintenance that the city has neglected to do over the years. This should come as no surprise because we haven’t assessed our street lighting funds since 1996. We’ve had to eliminate vacancies and so forth,” he stated.
Soto-Martinez urged his colleagues to prioritize funding and resources for the Bureau of Street Lighting, ensuring the city’s infrastructure is adequately maintained and fortified.
Reader question: – Will the city increase funding for street light maintenance to prevent future outages?
The approval of the Metal and Theft Reward Program, coupled with AB 476, signals a multi-faceted approach to combating metal theft in Los Angeles, aiming to protect public infrastructure, enhance public safety, and restore community confidence.
