A man from Stanton was arrested after Costa Mesa police officers on foot patrol discovered an active copper wire theft in progress at a local sports complex.
The incident highlights a growing trend of metal theft across Orange County—and the rising financial burden it places on cities, businesses, and insurers.
Late‑Night Arrest After Recent Copper Wire Thefts
Around 11:30 p.m. on a warm July night, officers were conducting extra patrols in the sports complex following multiple reports of copper wire theft. During their check, they found an underground concrete utility box smashed open, with several feet of copper wire pulled out and cut. Nearby lay a hammer, wire cutters, and a pry bar—clear signs of an ongoing theft.
Officers soon located a man hiding in nearby bushes. He carried black electrical tape that matched tape wrapped around the wire cutters found at the scene. He was arrested immediately…