Increase in Copper Wire Thefts May Be Behind Long Beach’s Dark Streets
Authorities Investigate Copper Wire Thefts Linked to Streetlight Issues in Long Beach
Authorities are investigating a surge in copper wire thefts that has resulted in poor street lighting across Long Beach, raising safety concerns among residents who have faced this ongoing issue for years.
Many neighborhoods in the city are experiencing either nonfunctional or dim streetlights, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians navigating roadways after dark. Reports indicate that some areas are entirely devoid of adequate lighting.
Residents near the intersection of Redondo Avenue and Second Street have expressed particular concern about visibility. "There are a lot of stop signs around, and so it’s difficult to be seen in the dark,” said Melissa Clarke, a Long Beach resident. “You never know if a car is going to stop or not, and that is probably one of the biggest danger points for me.”
The absence of lighting has left some residents feeling vulnerable. Morgan Smith shared her recent experience: “I didn’t feel safe. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, but I am always nervous. So I wish that the streets were more lit up for sure.”
This lack of street illumination has altered daily routines for many, with some residents opting to avoid nighttime walks or restricting themselves to well-populated areas. “We walk less. We walk less,” remarked Ella Benhagai, a local resident. “Or we walk where it’s crowded. But it still feels, you know, dangerous.”
Authorities attribute the widespread lighting issues to an increase in copper wire thefts, which severely impacts the functionality of streetlights. “I mean, we have the poles; they should have bulbs in them,” noted resident Kevin Cook.
In response to the situation, the Long Beach Police Department is urging residents to report any suspicious activities, such as vehicles lingering in alleys, tampering with utility infrastructure, or unusual nighttime behavior near commercial buildings.
Utility provider Southern California Edison acknowledged the problem. In a statement, the company indicated that the city had recently raised concerns about the matter and that Edison is fully cooperating. The company also encouraged residents to report streetlight outages through its outage reporting platform.
Local residents are calling on city officials to take more proactive measures to prevent copper wire theft and to establish a faster plan for repairing broken streetlights, as well as increasing lighting in darkened areas.
