News Summary
Los Angeles is grappling with a surge in copper theft at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, impeding its zero-emission goals. The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator reports costly repairs for damaged chargers, signaling a concerning rise in theft incidents. In response, state legislation like Assembly Bill 476 aims to enhance penalties for purchasing stolen metals. Innovation in technology is also underway to protect valuable infrastructure, while the city shifts towards solar-powered streetlights to combat increasing thefts. The outcome of these efforts is crucial as Los Angeles prepares for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games.
Los Angeles is facing a significant challenge in its efforts to achieve zero-emission transportation goals due to rampant copper theft at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Thieves are targeting these charging stations by cutting cords and breaking into chargers to access valuable copper wire. The increasing visibility and high prices of copper have made these stations more appealing to criminals, disrupting the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure necessary for a sustainable future.
The issue of copper theft from EV infrastructure is exacerbated by the costly repairs that need to be made afterward. The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) reports that repairing level two chargers can cost between $650 and $700, while repairs for DC fast chargers can reach up to $1,500. This trend not only threatens the availability of charging stations but also complicates Los Angeles’s plans to accelerate transportation electrification ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As the city struggles with increasing thefts, it became necessary to implement new strategies to safeguard charging infrastructure. The EV community is rallying support for Assembly Bill 476 (AB 476), recently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The bill introduces stricter penalties for those who engage in the purchase of stolen metals, aiming to deter potential criminals.
Innovations in technology are also being developed by EV charging companies to combat cable theft. These advancements include cables that disconnect from chargers when cut and cables that spray ink to mark potential stolen cables, making them less attractive for resale.
Los Angeles is not alone in its copper theft crisis. AT&T recently revealed that it has been dealing with its own challenges regarding copper wire theft, with the city reporting 1,502 thefts of copper wires in the first half of 2025, making it the highest in the nation. An AT&T facility was broken into, resulting in the cutting of 32 cables, which disrupted services for thousands, including critical services like 911.
The rising price of copper, which has increased by 58% over the past five years, has further contributed to the surge in thefts. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the total cost of copper theft to American businesses reaches around $1 billion annually. In response, AT&T has taken steps to secure its infrastructure by welding and bolting vault covers and filling certain areas with concrete.
In an effort to minimize the impact of copper theft on public infrastructure, California is tightening regulations concerning metal transactions. AB 476 mandates that recyclers must enhance their reporting requirements when handling metals to avoid the legalized purchase of stolen goods. Additionally, AT&T is incentivizing the reporting of theft by offering rewards of up to $20,000 for information that leads to arrests related to copper theft cases.
The prevalence of copper theft has not only affected EV charging stations but also streetlights throughout Los Angeles. In 2024 alone, over 3,700 streetlights were stripped for copper wiring, reportedly costing about $36,000 for repairs per circuit. Since 2020, an estimated $100 million has been spent on repairs related to theft and vandalism affecting streetlights.
To diminish reliance on copper wiring and reduce repair costs, the city is focusing on deploying solar-powered streetlights. These new solar lights can be installed quickly, remain operational during blackouts, and have proven effective in reducing theft in areas such as Van Nuys. Cities are increasingly considering such alternatives, as the rising repair costs linked to traditional streetlights lead to a shift towards more sustainable solutions.
The ongoing copper theft crisis in Los Angeles poses severe challenges to both the deployment of EV infrastructure and the integrity of essential public services. With new legislation, technological innovations, and a concentrated effort to shift to solar-powered solutions, the city aims to counteract these disruptive thefts while maintaining its commitment to achieving its ambitious zero-emissions goals.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Copper Wire Thieves Target Electric Vehicle Chargers
- Wikipedia: Copper Theft
- Moneywise: AT&T’s Underground Vault Targeted by Thieves
- Google Search: Copper Theft
- LAist: Copper Wire Theft Legislation in California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
- Canary Media: Copper Wire Theft and LA Streetlights
- Google News: Los Angeles Copper Theft
- NBC Los Angeles: Copper Wire Thefts and Weak Penalties
- Google Scholar: Copper Theft in Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
