Copper Thieves Leave Live Wires Exposed, Electric Boxes Open, in Pasadena Heists

Pasadena police are investigating a series of copper wire thefts that occurred Tuesday morning at multiple locations across the city, leaving energized wires exposed and dangerous electric boxes open.

Pasadena Police Lieutenant Anthony Russo said the first incident was reported at 9:55 a.m. at Pasadena Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard, where officers responded to a Public Works Department report of stolen copper wire.

Upon inspection, about 240 feet of copper wire was discovered missing after electrical boxes were found open. Lt. Russo said that three street light posts were affected by the theft. No witnesses or video surveillance were located.

A second theft was reported at 11:07 a.m. at Fair Oaks Avenue and Montana Street. Russo said three boxes had been opened, but no wires were cut or removed.

Additional boxes in the 1900 block of North Fair Oaks also had been tampered with, but again, no copper wire was taken. These incidents are being investigated as acts of vandalism, Russo said.

Another incident was reported at 11:18 a.m. at Montana Street and Glenn Avenue. Russo said that a Public Works employee found four electrical boxes opened and, after evaluation, determined that about 45 feet of copper wire had been stolen.

Four city light posts were affected at this location, Lt. Russo said.

No additional information was available regarding suspects or surveillance evidence.

“Although only a small amount of copper wire was taken in the past 24-hours, the bigger concern is the suspect(s) left a lot of pull boxes opened and cut wires leaving them energized which poses a significant safety risk,” Lisa Derderian, City Public Information Officer said Wednesday morning.

In December 2023, Pasadena Police officers responded to a citizen report of two male subjects tampering with a city-owned underground electrical box in the 1800 block of E. Corson St. Officers located the two males, as well as a female accomplice, next to an underground electrical box. The subjects had removed the box cover and cut wires inside the box. A search of their vehicle revealed additional copper wire, tools, and other evidence related to the crime. The two male suspects admitted they intended to steal the copper wire. Pasadena Police detectives responded and took over the investigation. As the result, three individuals were arrested.

Again in early 2024, the City experienced 34 incidents of copper theft totaling five miles worth of wire and 280 city lights damaged.

The Pasadena Police Department is asking for the public to remain vigilant and report any information regarding possible suspects, suspect vehicles, or surveillance video that could assist in identifying these criminals.

Anyone with information about copper wire theft cases is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police at (626)- 744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), via your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org