Copper wire theft is increasing in LA Koreatown, leading to widespread streetlight outages. Delayed repairs have left residents and businesses struggling with prolonged darkness.
LA Koreatown Streetlight Theft Drives Repair Requests to Record Highs
According to My LA 311, the city’s municipal service hotline, 5,225 streetlight repair requests were filed in January. That’s an average of 168 per day, marking a 39% increase from the previous month.
A 311 representative confirmed that this was the highest monthly total in a decade. Since October, repair requests have exceeded 5,000 cases in just four months.
Koreatown Among the Most Affected by Streetlight Outages
Koreatown ranked fourth among LA neighborhoods with the highest number of streetlight repair requests in 2023. The area recorded 1,245 repair requests, averaging over three per day.
By comparison, the neighborhoods with the most requests were:
- Downtown (2,206 requests)
- Boyle Heights (1,970 requests)
- Westlake (1,854 requests)
Streetlight Theft in LA Koreatown Disrupts Businesses
At Vermont Avenue and 7th Street, thieves stole copper wiring, shutting down streetlights and internet service. A representative from Barbecue Garden reported on March 3 that the outage prevented credit card transactions, forcing customers to use cash or leave.
Streetlight Repairs in LA Koreatown Face Months-Long Delays
The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting reports that severe wire theft and vandalism can take over 180 days to repair. The backlog continues to grow.
In 2023, 45,927 repair requests were filed across LA, a 42% increase from 32,258 in 2022. According to 311, 20,123 cases (43.8%) remain unresolved.
Rising Copper Prices Fuel More LA Koreatown Streetlight Thefts
City officials note that copper wire theft has increased following the Trump administration’s tariff policies on copper.
According to Trading Economics, copper prices reached $4.52 per pound on March 3, up 13% from $4 per pound on December 31.
LA Launches Crackdown on Copper Wire Theft
To combat the rising thefts, the Los Angeles city government created a task force in early 2023.
In September, the LAPD recovered 550 pounds of stolen copper wire and bronze plates from a San Fernando Valley recycling center and scrap yard.
How to Report LA Koreatown Streetlight Theft and Outages
Residents can report LA Koreatown streetlight theft and outages through 311.
- Utility pole-mounted streetlights → Call Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (800-342-5397)
- General streetlights → Submit requests on the Bureau of Street Lighting website: lalights.lacity.org/contact.html
Related Articles:
- Public facilities and EV chargers hit hard by surge in copper thefts
- LA City to promptly repair streetlights in response to Korea Daily report
- Streetlights out for 6 months, questions rise whether city is working for people
BY YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]
