South El Monte – On Thursday, August 6, 2026, investigators assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau’s Metal Theft Detail conducted an inspection at a location on the 2200 block of Tyler Avenue in the City of South El Monte. The inspection was conducted in response to ongoing copper wire and metal thefts throughout Los Angeles County, particularly in the San Gabriel Valley, where communication lines, public transit systems, and public facilities have been repeatedly affected. Metal Theft Detail investigators were assisted by Temple Sheriff’s Station detectives and South El Monte Code Enforcement officers.
During the inspection, investigators located several pieces of suspected stolen copper cable belonging to a major telecommunications company. The business owner stated the cables had been purchased from a licensed vendor without knowledge they may have been stolen. Loss Prevention personnel from the telecommunications company responded and confirmed the cables belonged to the company based on markings on the outer insulation. The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to address copper theft through targeted patrols, the identification of vulnerable locations, analysis of theft patterns, and coordination with businesses and neighboring law enforcement agencies. Each LASD patrol station has designated at least one detective to monitor metal theft activity in its area. Major Crimes Bureau detectives also work with civilian investigators to inspect recycling facilities and identify individuals attempting to sell stolen copper wire.
LASD has provided training and investigative guidance to patrol deputies and detectives regarding telecommunications cable and component thefts. Major Crimes Bureau investigators also participate in a Southern California metal theft working group composed of telecommunications companies and both local and state law-enforcement partners.
Businesses are encouraged to treat copper and other valuable metals as critical assets by securing materials, improving lighting and surveillance, controlling access to equipment and storage yards, and maintaining effective locks, fencing, and promptly reporting suspicious activity.
Copper theft is a significant public safety concern because the value of the stolen material is often substantially less than the damage it causes. These crimes can result in costly repairs, business interruptions, utility and telecommunications outages, and the loss of access to critical public services.
Investigators have identified several emerging trends, including thieves targeting accessible, high value copper and rooftop HVAC equipment. The Department has also identified illegal, makeshift recycling operations as an emerging trend. These operations may use box trucks, large containers, and scales to purchase or process nonferrous metals outside regulated recycling facilities.
LASD Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) investigators have been proactive in seeking out information and recommendations from other public entities regarding metal theft prevention and/or reduction. The LASD is in the final stages of implementing a “Recycling Center Application” to track data from recycling centers that would allow us to accurately track, evaluate, and investigate these potential incidents of criminal activity.
If you see someone stealing metal, do not confront them. Call 911 when a crime is in progress and provide as much information as you safely can, including the location, a description of the person or vehicle, the direction of travel, and a license plate number. If the theft has already occurred, report it promptly to your local law-enforcement agency. Qualifying incidents may also be reported through LASD’s online reporting system.
If anyone has information regarding organized retail theft, cargo theft, or metal theft, please contact the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force at [email protected], or 562-946-7270. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
