In response to a surge in copper wire theft and infrastructure vandalism across California, Attorney General Rob Bonta convened a roundtable last week with law enforcement, utility companies, business leaders, educators, and elected officials to address the growing threat, the Attorney General’s Office announced. 

The meeting comes as California leads the nation in copper-related crimes, with nearly 1,805 incidents reported between June and December 2024, officials said. This accounts for one-third of all telecom copper thefts nationwide. 

“DOJ won’t tolerate anyone vandalizing critical infrastructure and endangering our communities to make a buck off of stolen copper,” Bonta said Wednesday last week. “We all have a role to play in securing our infrastructure and protecting Californians.” 

Copper theft has triggered widespread impacts, including 911 service disruptions, power outages, and hazards on roads, bridges, and transit systems. The damage has also affected hospitals, schools, water systems, and public safety operations. 

Alongside the roundtable, Bonta issued a law enforcement bulletin summarizing state laws on copper wire theft and obligations for junk dealers and recyclers to track and report copper sales, officials noted. 

Officials urge the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately to prevent further damage and ensure community safety.