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L.A. Council Approves Rewards to Combat Copper Wire Theft as New State Law Targets Recyclers

The measure now heads to Mayor Karen Bass for consideration.

Overview

  • The City Council approved an ordinance offering $5,000 for tips leading to felony grand theft charges and $1,000 for misdemeanor cases involving city metals, including copper wiring, light fixtures, plaques, statues and items linked to the Sixth Street Bridge.
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 476 last week, expanding recycler reporting and identity verification, prohibiting possession of certain public‑infrastructure scrap without documentation and increasing penalties for violators.
  • City data show more than 37,000 streetlight repair requests so far in 2025, with about 15% of the system affected and fewer than 200 field staff leading to typical repair waits of nine to 12 months.
  • The Sixth Street Bridge remains dark after thieves took seven miles of wire, with the stolen copper valued around $11,000 and rewiring estimated to cost more than $2.5 million.
  • A City Attorney’s report says LAPD supports the reward program to help identify suspects, while communities and the city are deploying solar and privately funded lighting as interim solutions.