Californians for Public Safety issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Rob Bonta’s press release re: Copper Wire Theft Leaves Californians in the Dark, We Must Ensure the Lights Stay On.
“Copper wire theft is not a new problem, but it is one that has been allowed to grow out of control in California. It’s dangerous and it deserves zero tolerance. When essential infrastructure like streetlights, power lines, and transit systems are targeted, entire communities are put at risk. This crime also creates serious health hazards – disabling sewer systems, contaminating water quality, and disrupting critical services at hospitals and schools.
The recent attention for this issue is long overdue. As the AG stated, nearly 2,000 incidents of copper wire theft occurred in California in just six months. Every delay in stopping this trend means more financial loss, more safety risks, and more erosion of public trust.
There is no excuse for continued inaction when innovative crime prevention technologies, like perimeter detection systems, real-time surveillance, and smart security infrastructure are already available and proven to work. Many jurisdictions and industries are implementing these solutions successfully, and it’s time to scale them statewide. California can lead the way in fighting crime with innovation and pave the way for safer and economically vibrant communities. These tools can help law enforcement respond faster, deter criminal activity before it happens, and secure the systems California depends on every day.
We agree with AG Bonta; everyone has a role to play. It’s time for more lawmakers to treat commercial property crime with the seriousness it deserves. We stand ready to work with policymakers, law enforcement, and industry leaders to take action and immediate steps to crack down on commercial and infrastructure crimes, not just with words, but with enforcement, streamlined regulations, and support for proven crime prevention tools. This is a solvable problem, and by working together, we can ensure our communities remain safe, our resources secure, and our state resilient.”
About Californians for Public Safety
Californians for Public Safety, a coalition of business leaders and citizens, advocates for swift action to enhance public safety. Our mission focuses on streamlining bureaucratic processes for implementing crime prevention technologies, fostering strong relationships between property owners, local government, and police, and promoting cost-effective prevention measures. By prioritizing these pillars, we aim to create a safer California where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and preventative strategies stand as key components of a secure future.