Thieves are breaking into warehouses in Gardena, stealing copper wiring and causing significant financial losses for local businesses.
The criminals have been using heavy-duty power tools to cut through iron gates, leaving business owners frustrated and struggling to recover.
The thieves targeted local printing business L.A. Press on Main Street, cutting through a six-foot-tall gate to access electrical boxes. While the stolen wiring was valued at less than $1,000, the repair costs and business interruption have been substantial.
Kevin Kaing of L.A. Press described the devastating impact of the thefts not just in repairs but also loss of business. “We all had it repaired. It costed like $22,000,” Kaing said. “We were down like today with no production.”
Multiple businesses in the area have been affected. Nearby oil wells were forced to shut down after vandals cut through fences and removed copper wiring. Some local residents have suggested that a nearby homeless encampment along Broadway might be responsible for the repeated thefts.
Business owners report that the criminals are becoming increasingly bold, breaking into warehouses almost nightly and stealing equipment. Despite repeated outreach to city officials and local law enforcement, no suspects have been arrested.
The pattern of theft has created significant challenges for local businesses. Initially mistaking the damage for a power outage, Kaing discovered the extent of the theft after investigating his facility.
“I walked through the yard to take a look, and sure enough, the other Cabinet will open, and all the copper wire were exposed,” he said.
Local authorities continue to investigate the series of thefts, with business owners hoping for a resolution to protect their properties and livelihoods.
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