Van Nuys Faces Internet Outages as Copper Wire Theft Continues
Copper Wire Thefts in Van Nuys Leave Residents in the Dark
LOS ANGELES – A recent surge in copper wire thefts has struck Van Nuys, disrupting essential services for local residents. Thieves were captured on surveillance video stealing underground internet cables, resulting in outages for both internet and street lighting.
The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. near Hazeltine Avenue and Sherman Way, showcased two suspects: one clad in a hoodie and another shirtless, wearing a medical mask. Witness Candace Cervantes, who recorded the theft, described the situation: “I woke up to a big cling. It was loud, and I was like, hold on—people have been stealing copper, because I walk these streets.”
Cervantes’ footage reveals one suspect pulling cables from beneath the street while the other served as a lookout by a getaway vehicle. She noted, “He even took a long black cable, tied it to his car. They were trying to really take out as much as they could.” Despite her call to 911, police arrived only after the suspects fled, taking over an hour to respond.
This theft is part of a troubling trend in Van Nuys, where residents increasingly report stolen wiring that leaves entire blocks without lighting. “The thieves didn’t seem worried about getting caught?” reporter Matthew Seedorff asked. Cervantes responded, “No, not at all.”
Utility companies are scrambling to address the aftermath of these thefts. AT&T has mobilized additional crews from Northern California to expedite repairs, as many neighborhoods have been without service for up to five months. One worker lamented, “It’s like, damn.”
Across Los Angeles, the situation appears dire. City officials report approximately 32,000 active streetlight repair requests, many linked to copper wire theft. In response, Mayor Karen Bass has initiated plans to replace certain streetlights with solar-powered systems, designed to reduce vulnerability to theft. “Copper wire theft isn’t just a nuisance—it degrades our neighborhoods, harms businesses, and is a threat to public safety,” Bass stated.
Responses from residents have been mixed; some are unaware of the seriousness of the issue, while others express visible frustration over the prolonged outages. “It’s annoying, it’s frustrating,” Cervantes said. “They don’t make it any better.”
As investigations continue, authorities have yet to announce any arrests. They are urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward and assist law enforcement.
