Pasadena Grapples With Thefts of 11 Bronze Street Light Poles

Authorities said on Tuesday that 11 bronze street light poles in Pasadena have been stolen in a series of brazen heists that have left city officials baffled and residents on edge.

The thefts, which began in late March, have occurred along South Orange Grove Boulevard between Green and State Streets.

“Vehicles are being used to intentionally ram the lamp poles and then the entire poles are stolen by the suspects,” said Lisa Derderian, a spokeswoman for the city of Pasadena.

The first theft was reported on April 1, when six poles were discovered missing or damaged at various intersections along Orange Grove Boulevard.

Subsequent incidents occurred on April 4, April 6, and most recently on April 8, bringing the total number of stolen poles to 11, with one additional pole found damaged, according to interviews with police by Pasadena Now.

The audacious crime spree is part of a larger trend of copper and metal theft plaguing the region.

In January, Pasadena officials announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of copper thieves, matching an existing $10,000 reward offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“These are serious crimes,” Mayor Victor M. Gordo said at a press conference in January. “If you know something, say something.”

At the time, Tony Olmos, Pasadena’s Director of Public Works Department, said the city has experienced 45 copper thefts since January 2023, resulting in the loss of 6.5 miles of copper wires and affecting 360 street lights and two traffic signals. The estimated cost to the city in equipment and labor is $50,000.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has also taken steps to combat copper theft, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of individuals stealing copper from street lights and other public sites.

Pasadena authorities are urging anyone with information about the street light pole thefts to contact Detective Matt Morgan at (626) 744-6492. Witnesses to a crime in progress should call 911.