Persistent Copper Wire Thefts Cripple Internet and Street Lighting Across Van Nuys Neighborhoods

Van Nuys neighborhoods face internet outages and dark streets as thieves target underground copper cables. Mayor Bass pivots to solar lighting solutions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 6:22 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from FOX LA

Underground Infrastructure Targeted in Early Morning Heist

The residential landscape of Van Nuys has become the latest battleground for copper wire thieves who are systematically dismantling the city’s utility infrastructure. Surveillance footage recently captured two suspects near the intersection of Hazeltine Avenue and Sherman Way engaging in a brazen 3:00 a.m. operation to extract subterranean cables. Witnesses described a scene where one individual, wearing a medical mask, physically hauled heavy internet wiring from beneath the pavement while a hooded accomplice stood guard. The theft was so aggressive that the perpetrators reportedly used their vehicle to pull long stretches of black cable from the conduits, demonstrating a high level of coordination and a complete lack of concern for detection.

Van Nuys Residents Endure Months of Utility Failures

The impact of these thefts extends far beyond simple property damage, as entire city blocks have been plunged into darkness and digital isolation. Local residents report that some areas have been without reliable internet service for four to five months because of the repeated targeting of specific utility nodes. The loss of street lighting has created significant public safety concerns, as the absence of illumination makes neighborhoods more vulnerable to secondary crimes. Witnesses expressed frustration not only with the audacity of the thieves but also with the response times of law enforcement, noting that suspects often have ample time to complete their labor-intensive extractions before authorities arrive.

Utility Providers Struggle to Maintain Network Integrity

The scale of the damage has forced utility companies like AT&T to mobilize additional resources from Northern California to assist with the massive backlog of repairs in the Los Angeles basin. Workers on the ground describe a cycle of futility where newly installed wiring is often stolen within weeks of being replaced. With approximately 32,000 active streetlight repair requests currently pending citywide, the strain on technical crews and municipal budgets has reached a critical threshold. The specialized nature of the underground internet cables being targeted suggests that thieves are becoming increasingly adept at identifying high-value materials within the city's complex grid.