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Long Beach Police Burglary detectives are seeing an increase in copper wire theft, which is consistent with what appears to be a growing national trend, and the Long Beach Police Department is cautioning businesses to take proactive measures.
Since the beginning of 2013, there have been at least 74 reported incidents of copper wire theft in the City of Long Beach. These thefts have occurred to schools, park light poles, commercial buildings, as well as vacant buildings.
According to detectives, the suspects involved in these incidents have become more sophisticated, by scouting out locations that may be considered vulnerable due to lack of security or vacancy, and using tools and equipment to carry out the thefts.
A recent incident occurred at Coolidge Park in North Long Beach, where suspects were captured on video. In the video, the suspects were seen approaching a light pole, and then returned to their vehicle placing what appeared to be copper wiring in the trunk. Copper wiring was also stolen from a second light pole. The suspects, whose descriptions were indecipherable in the video, were driving a late 80’s light blue 4-door Cadillac Deville.
The LBPD is encouraging businesses to practice the following safety tips, which may prevent them from becoming victimized:
• Install a security alarm and camera and ensure they are working properly
• Consider participating in the Community Camera Partnership program by registering your camera with the Police Department – click link for more info: www.longbeach.gov/police/lbcop
• Post signage advertising the security measures you have in place, which may serve as a deterrent
• Check on your property regularly, especially if the property is vacant
• Secure any exterior electrical or utility boxes that may house wiring
• Report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1
• Suspicious activity may include: vehicles parked around vacant buildings for extended periods of time and usually in the late evening or early morning hours, subjects on school or park grounds after hours or on the roofs of buildings, subjects loitering around cell phone towers or tampering with any electrical/utility boxes or covers without identifiable uniforms or service vehicles
Anyone with information regarding the Coolidge Park incident or any other copper wire theft incident are urged to contact the Long Beach Police Burglary Detective Johnny Dodson at (562) 570-7351. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
