Yesterday afternoon, police officers responded to a call of a man on the roof of a closed business near La Palma Avenue and Magnolia Avenue who was reportedly stealing copper wire, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
When the officers arrived, they received information that the suspect had fled and climbed onto the roof of a neighboring building.
The officers quickly set up a containment around the business while Anaheim Fire and Rescue responded with ladders to help provide access to the roof in question.
During the search, the APD Air Support officers spotted the suspect’s shoes hidden beneath a large AC unit and made announcements from the PA system.
The suspect surrendered moments later and he was taken into custody without incident.
Wire theft continues to be a recurring issue in communities across Southern California, and this case highlights how patrol officers, air support, Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and alert residents worked together for a safe and successful outcome.
The suspect appears to be Latino. His arms were covered in tattoos. He was wearing black clothing. He also had a blue bandana around his neck.
The police did not identify the suspect or clarify if he was here legally.
Here are the likely penalties the suspect faces under California law for copper wire theft:
- If the value of stolen copper is under $950
- Classified as petty theft (Penal Code §484, §488).
- Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in county jail and/or up to $1,000 fine.
- If the value exceeds $950
- Classified as grand theft of copper materials (Penal Code §487j).
- This is a wobbler, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail under Penal Code §1170(h), and/or up to $10,000 fine.
- Additional charges possible
- Burglary (PC §459) if the suspect entered a building intending to commit theft.
- Penalty: Felony, 2–6 years in state prison.
- Damaging utility lines (PC §591) if wires were cut or equipment damaged.
- Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony, up to 3 years in jail and/or $10,000 fine.
- Burglary (PC §459) if the suspect entered a building intending to commit theft.
- Repeat offenders
- Under Proposition 36 (2024), repeat theft offenders can be charged with a felony even for lower-value thefts.
This crook should be labeled as “Copper Grinch Alert”