Illegal Recycling Center – Copper Wire Arrests
June 29, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that over the last few weeks, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit has been investigating several copper wire thefts across the county, which led to several subjects being arrested last week. These thefts caused thousands of dollars in replacement material and repairs due to extensive damage to the victim’s property. Most subjects involved in copper wire thefts will strip the wire of its insulation so that it is bare copper wire and recycle it for more money. Per California State Law, recycling centers must document the individuals name, identification number, vehicle license plate number, and use due diligence when obtaining where the material came from. These laws are documented in the California Business and Professions Code, starting at 21600. The recycling centers are also required to send all daily transactions to the local Sheriff’s Office in their jurisdiction.
While detectives continued their investigation, they obtained evidence that there was an illegal recycling center being operated out of a residence in the 3000 block of Belle Terrace. Detectives obtained probable cause for the issuance of a search warrant at that residence…