Two people were arrested and about 4 tons of copper wire, equivalent to roughly 3,000 feet of stolen telecommunications wire with an estimated value of $102,000, were recovered during an operation in downtown Los Angeles, state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Frday.

The operation was conducted by the California Department of Justice, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department as part of a statewide effort to combat copper wire theft and infrastructure vandalism, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

The identities of the two people arrested and the charges they may face were not immediately available. Authorities said the arrests were made on Thursday but did not specify a location.

“Copper theft has a steep price, and we are ensuring that the criminals behind it are the ones who pay it, not our communities,” Bonta said. “We will not tolerate bad actors who steal resources that plunge California neighborhoods into darkness or cut off vital emergency services. We are working with law enforcement, business leaders, and elected officials to stop this epidemic.”

Officials said copper wire theft has increased across California, disrupting telecommunications and utility services, damaging infrastructure and affecting businesses and agricultural operations.

The thefts can also cause power outages, interrupt 911 emergency communications and disrupt streetlights, traffic signals and public transportation systems, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

Authorities said the damage can also affect healthcare facilities, schools and water and sewer systems.

“Copper wire theft is not simply a property crime. It is a serious public safety concern that can disrupt essential services, damage critical infrastructure, and place our communities at risk,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

“This operation demonstrates our Department’s commitment to proactively identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those responsible for these crimes. Through strategic enforcement efforts and collaboration with our law enforcement and community partners, we are sending a clear message that these criminal activities will not be tolerated.”

Officials urged residents to report suspected copper wire theft to local law enforcement, saying prompt reports can help prevent widespread communications outages and costly infrastructure damage.