Copper wire theft is a growing problem in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, causing widespread outages affecting utilities, communication networks, and transportation. Thieves are targeting everything from streetlights and bridges to AT&T facilities and construction sites, stealing thousands of feet of copper wire and causing millions of dollars in damage. The issue is exacerbated by rising copper prices, the difficulty in tracing stolen wire, and the prevalence of vulnerable locations. City and utility companies are struggling to keep up with the repairs, and the problem is impacting public safety and essential services. Efforts to combat the theft include increased penalties, law enforcement investigations, and industry initiatives, but the problem remains a significant challenge.