Advisory
Copper wire theft continues to grow throughout Los Angeles County, including here in the City of Duarte. During the 2025–2026 surge, rising copper prices have made electrical wiring and utility equipment attractive targets for thieves.
These crimes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements, but the impact goes far beyond the financial burden. When thieves steal copper wiring from streetlights, underground utility boxes, and other electrical equipment, they can leave entire streets and neighborhoods without adequate lighting, creating potential safety hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and residents.
Duarte is our community, and we all share responsibility for keeping our neighborhoods safe. Whether you are walking your dog, returning home from work, or simply looking out your front window, you may notice something unusual that could help prevent a theft. Criminals often take advantage of quiet streets, late-night hours, and areas with limited visibility. In some cases, individuals may even dress like construction or utility workers to avoid drawing attention.
We encourage Duarte residents to remain observant and report suspicious activity, particularly around streetlights, electrical equipment, construction sites, and underground utility boxes.
What Should Residents Look For?
If you witness a copper wire theft in progress, call 911 immediately. Provide the location, a description of the individuals or vehicles involved, and any other information you can safely observe. Do not approach, confront, or attempt to detain anyone. Your personal safety is always the priority.
For suspicious activity that is not an immediate emergency, residents are encouraged to contact the Temple Sheriff's Station at (626) 285-7171.
Working Together for a Safer Duarte
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station (Duarte), remains committed to working closely with the City of Duarte to address copper wire theft and other crimes affecting our neighborhoods. Our deputies will continue conducting patrols, monitoring areas of concern, and responding to reports of suspicious activity.
The LASD Virtual Deputy Program lets you schedule a live video meeting with a real deputy sheriff from home to report specific non-emergency crimes or ask law enforcement questions. This system lets you schedule a future virtual meeting with a deputy sheriff to report specific crimes or ask law enforcement-related questions. It is not designed for incidents that require an immediate law enforcement response or for filing a public complaint.
This service aims to reduce wait times, improve the efficiency of services provided to the community we serve, and ensure law enforcement resources are available for priority and urgent calls for service.
The Virtual Deputy application is simple to use. When reporting a crime, you will be able to submit your contact information only if you have answered “No” to questions 2-9. This service is exclusively available to community members within the jurisdiction of Temple Station. After you submit your contact information, you will receive an email link to schedule a virtual deputy meeting.
Crime Blotter for the Week of October 4, 2026 – October 10, 2026
The following is a synopsis of crimes reported from October 4, 2026 through October 10, 2026.
October 4, 2026
- No significant activity.
- Domestic Violence
- 1200 Block of Highland Avenue - On October 5, 2026 at 9:27 PM, during an argument, the suspect assaulted the victim, causing injuries. Arrest Made. Temple DB follow-up.
- Grand Theft (Copper Wire)
- 1400 Block of Crestfield Drive - Between October 2, 2026 at 6 AM and October 5, 2026 at 7 AM and reported on October 5, 2026, the suspect(s) stole copper wire from the work site. No arrest made. No video footage available. Temple DB follow-up.
- No significant activity.
- No significant activity.
- Grand Theft (Retail)
- 1050 Huntington Drive (Target) - On October 8, 2026 at 9:33 PM, the suspect entered the store and stole miscellaneous items without paying. Arrest Made. Temple DB follow-up.
- Grand Theft (Copper Wire)
- 1400 Block of Mount Olive Drive - Between October 7, 2026 at 3 PM and October 9, 2026 at 10 AM and reported October 9, 2026, the suspect(s) climbed two telephone poles and stole copper wire. No arrest made. No video footage available. Temple DB follow-up.
- No significant activity.
Re-Post: Help Keep Duarte Safe - Preventing Copper Wire Theft
Copper wire theft continues to grow throughout Los Angeles County, including here in the City of Duarte. During the 2025–2026 surge, rising copper prices have made electrical wiring and utility equipment attractive targets for thieves.
These crimes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements, but the impact goes far beyond the financial burden. When thieves steal copper wiring from streetlights, underground utility boxes, and other electrical equipment, they can leave entire streets and neighborhoods without adequate lighting, creating potential safety hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and residents.
Duarte is our community, and we all share responsibility for keeping our neighborhoods safe. Whether you are walking your dog, returning home from work, or simply looking out your front window, you may notice something unusual that could help prevent a theft. Criminals often take advantage of quiet streets, late-night hours, and areas with limited visibility. In some cases, individuals may even dress like construction or utility workers to avoid drawing attention.
We encourage Duarte residents to remain observant and report suspicious activity, particularly around streetlights, electrical equipment, construction sites, and underground utility boxes.
What Should Residents Look For?
- Unusual activity around streetlights or utility boxes: Be mindful of people opening electrical panels, removing utility covers, pulling wiring, or working around underground utility boxes, especially late at night or early in the morning.
- Individuals posing as utility or construction workers: Legitimate utility and city crews generally use identifiable vehicles, appropriate safety equipment, and traffic-control measures when necessary. Individuals working from unmarked vehicles, without proper equipment, or under unusual circumstances may warrant closer attention. Remember, not all legitimate workers use marked vehicles, so consider the overall circumstances.
- Suspicious vehicles: Pay attention to vehicles parked near streetlights or utility boxes for extended periods, particularly when individuals appear to be removing wiring or loading electrical materials. If it is safe to do so, make note of the vehicle description, license plate, and direction of travel.
- Damaged or exposed electrical equipment: Open utility boxes, missing access covers, exposed wiring, or streetlights that suddenly stop working may indicate attempted or completed copper theft. Please avoid touching any damaged equipment and report the condition.
If you witness a copper wire theft in progress, call 911 immediately. Provide the location, a description of the individuals or vehicles involved, and any other information you can safely observe. Do not approach, confront, or attempt to detain anyone. Your personal safety is always the priority.
For suspicious activity that is not an immediate emergency, residents are encouraged to contact the Temple Sheriff's Station at (626) 285-7171.
Working Together for a Safer Duarte
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station (Duarte), remains committed to working closely with the City of Duarte to address copper wire theft and other crimes affecting our neighborhoods. Our deputies will continue conducting patrols, monitoring areas of concern, and responding to reports of suspicious activity.
The LASD Virtual Deputy at Temple Station
The LASD Virtual Deputy Program lets you schedule a live video meeting with a real deputy sheriff from home to report specific non-emergency crimes or ask law enforcement questions. This system lets you schedule a future virtual meeting with a deputy sheriff to report specific crimes or ask law enforcement-related questions. It is not designed for incidents that require an immediate law enforcement response or for filing a public complaint.
This service aims to reduce wait times, improve the efficiency of services provided to the community we serve, and ensure law enforcement resources are available for priority and urgent calls for service.
The Virtual Deputy application is simple to use. When reporting a crime, you will be able to submit your contact information only if you have answered “No” to questions 2-9. This service is exclusively available to community members within the jurisdiction of Temple Station. After you submit your contact information, you will receive an email link to schedule a virtual deputy meeting.
Address/Location
City of Duarte
1600 Huntington Dr
Duarte, CA 91010
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 626-357-7931
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP DUARTE followed by your message, to 888777