LA County Board

26.\nAddressing Copper Wire, Catalytic Converter, and other Non-Ferrous\nMetal Theft in Los Angeles County\nRecommendation as submitted by Supervisor Barger: Request the Sheriff and\nthe District Attorney work in collaboration with the Director of Public Works,\nother relevant County Department Heads, utility companies, telecommunications\nproviders, recycling industry representatives, local law enforcement agencies,\nContract Cities, League of California Cities, and other stakeholders responsible\nfor maintaining or securing infrastructure and report back to the Board in\nwriting within 90 days with a coordinated plan to address copper wire, catalytic\nconverter, and other non-ferrous metal theft across the County. The report\nshould include:\nA comprehensive assessment of impacts to County operations,\nDepartmental budgets, public infrastructure, emergency\ncommunications, and public-facing services resulting from theft.\nA forecast of the impact and added costs of these incidents to\npreparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and\nthe 2028 Summer Olympic and Para Olympic Games in the County.\nRecommendations for cross-Departmental strategies that improve\nprevention, detection, and rapid response to incidents, including\noperational protocols, infrastructure hardening measures, resource\nneeds, and opportunities for improved data-sharing.\nAn evaluation of best practices from other jurisdictions, such as\nordinance models, tip/reward programs, permitting systems, or recycling\noversight structures, that have demonstrated effectiveness in curbing\ntheft.\nA review of current State Law to identify changes that can help\nstrengthen local capacity to deter and reduce theft.\nA proposal that uses existing resources for improved protection,\ndeterrence, and investigation of non-ferrous metal and other critical\ninfrastructure related crimes.\nA review of any recourse, assistance programs, and service options\noffered by utility companies, telecommunications providers, and other\naffected private entities to support communities that experience service\ninterruptions resulting from copper wire theft. (26-1589)\nMotion by Supervisor Barger\nMotion by Supervisor Barger (Updates Following Cluster)