Fw: Copper Wire Theft in Richmond: What You Need to Know
Liz McCarthy
Begin forwarded message:
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 10:34 PM, Liz McCarthy <tal...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
FyIBegin forwarded message:
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 7:24 PM, Michelle Milam <MMi...@richmondpd.net> wrote:Dear Neighbors:
Seen a street light that is out? What about an internet outage? Copper metal wire theft impacts businesses, neighbors and public safety services. There are ways that we as a community can work together to address this crime.
Copper Wire Theft in Richmond: What You Need to Know
Richmond is experiencing a sharp rise in copper wire theft, resulting in streetlight outages, electrical damage, and costly emergency repairs. This activity is happening citywide and is not related to regular maintenance.
Why copper is being targeted
Global copper prices remain high -- now trading around $5.20 per pound. U.S. scrap-yard prices for cleaned copper wire range from $3.50–$4.20 per pound, creating a strong financial incentive for theft.
Thieves typically cut short lengths of cable, strip off the insulation, and sell the raw copper for cash.
Where theft is occurring
Common targets includes:
- Streetlight poles and pull boxes
- Utility yards and staging areas
- Rooftop A/C units
- Vacant or abandoned buildings
- Construction sites
- Telecommunication towers
These incidents involve intentional tampering with electrical systems.
Current conditions in Richmond
From Public Works:
“We have seen an unprecedented increase in wire theft over the past three months. No neighborhood has been spared. Thieves are cutting power to streetlights and damaging conduits, which significantly increases repair time and cost. Our crews are working diligently, but the volume of vandalism has exceeded our internal capacity. Emergency contractors are now assisting with repairs.”
This vandalism is creating a major strain on staffing and budgets. We need your help.
What residents can do
Please report suspicious activity, especially around electrical equipment:
- Tampering with streetlight poles
- Open or disturbed pull boxes
- Individuals carrying cut wire
- Activity around vacant buildings
- Vehicles stopping repeatedly near electrical infrastructure
📞 Non-Emergency: (510) 233-1214
🚨 In-progress crime: Call 911
For property owners and businesses
To reduce risk:
- Add exterior lighting
- Install security cameras
- Use solid or cut-resistant fencing
- Post “No Trespassing” signs
- Fully secure vacant buildings
- Remove valuable materials from empty sites
- Mark or stamp copper components
- Request patrol checks
- Coordinate with Neighborhood Watch groups
Prevention is far less costly than repair.
Why community awareness matters
Copper theft disrupts lighting, affects neighborhood safety, diverts city resources, and damages public infrastructure. Community vigilance is one of the strongest tools we have to deter ongoing theft.
Thank you for helping keep Richmond safe.
#CopperWireTheft #RichmondCA #CommunitySafety #PublicWorks #RPD
In service,
Michelle Milam
Crime Prevention Manager
Richmond Police Department
Office:(510) 620-6546
Monday –Friday 10:00AM- 6:00PM
Join us on facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Richmond-Police-Department/189599057722402
