This week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion read-in by Supervisor Kathryn Barger that will offer a $10,000 reward to help the City of Pasadena identify individuals stealing copper from street lights, city stock yards and other public sites.
According to the City of Pasadena a surge has occurred since November 2023 and there have been approximately 34 copper theft incidents. The losses have resulted in a total of 25,900 feet of stolen wire – the equivalent of 4.9 miles of copper wire – and damage to 280 city lights.
“I am a strong supporter of local cities’ efforts to combat crime,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I introduced this motion to send a clear message to thieves who are vandalizing public property: you will be held accountable. I’m hopeful these reward funds will encourage anyone with information about the thefts and destruction of public property to step forward.”
The City of Pasadena is also planning to offer reward funds in coordination with the County and will soon share that information. A joint press conference is being planned for next week.
Anyone with information can contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by dialing the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org.