BLOOMINGTON, CALIF. — The rampant theft of copper and other metals in Southern California has begun hitting Inland Empire freeways hard, leaving motorists in increasing danger as traffic signals and lights in underpasses and rest areas have gone dark, law enforcement and Caltrans officials said Tuesday.
Thieves also have swiped guardrails and irrigation systems along roadways.
"We had $15,000 in copper tools and wire stolen from our Victorville maintenance yard on Sunday," said Terri Kasinga, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation.
"When you get a missing guardrail and lights and signals that don't work, that's hazardous.
"We can't get out there in five minutes and fix it," she said at a news conference called to highlight the growing problem in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Caltrans is asking the public to report suspicious behavior. Officials say they want stiffer fines and prison sentences for offenders and closer scrutiny of recyclers.
Metal thieves are wearing reflective vests and hard hats so they look more like Caltrans workers, said Joe Ramos, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.
"They don't have the magnetic decal on their car, which is one way to tell they are not Caltrans workers," he said.
Ramos said most thieves work alone and are supporting drug habits, but some are operating in groups.
The Inland Empire has been especially hard hit because of its size, rural geography and high levels of poverty.
Last week, a house in Hesperia burned down after firefighters found critical copper parts had been stolen from every hydrant on the block. Some 13,800 people lost power last year when thieves hit a Hesperia electrical substation.
Copper is preferred by criminals because it can fetch more than $3 a pound at a recycling center. But other metals also have become fair game.
The aluminum bleachers at the Kessler Park Little League field in Bloomington were stolen last summer. Bronze plaques were taken from the facade of the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. The pool at the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino was temporarily closed because all its metal fixtures had been stolen.
Catalytic converters on cars are increasingly targeted for their platinum.
"This has become a serious threat to public safety," said San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzalez.
