A 41-year-old man was arrested in Long Beach last week after police say officers found him with more than 100 pounds of stolen metals believed to be tied to a series of copper theft investigations.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers with the department’s High Crime Focus Team and Burglary Detail had been investigating an increase in copper thefts across the city over the past several months.
Police said the investigation intensified after authorities received a tip through LA Crime Stoppers related to a recent theft.
Recovered burglary tools and suspected stolen copper and brass are displayed following a Long Beach police investigation into a series of copper thefts. May 2026. (Long Beach Police Department)
Recovered burglary tools and suspected stolen copper and brass are displayed following a Long Beach police investigation into a series of copper thefts. May 2026. (Long Beach Police Department)
Officers later identified the suspect as Russel Libberton, a 41-year-old person experiencing homelessness.
On May 1, officers located Libberton in the 3000 block of Cherry Avenue and arrested him on a no-bail warrant, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property, police said.
Authorities said officers recovered burglary tools along with more than 100 pounds of stolen precious metals, including copper and brass, that investigators believe are connected to ongoing theft cases in the area.
“Copper theft can have a significant impact on our city infrastructure and cause disruptions to the services our residents rely on each day,” Wally Hebeish said in a statement.
Police said copper thefts can target HVAC systems, utility infrastructure and electrical wiring, often causing costly repairs and service disruptions.
The department encouraged residents and business owners to secure utility areas, install cameras and report suspicious activity involving people tampering with infrastructure or lingering near commercial buildings after hours.
Anyone with information about copper thefts is urged to contact Long Beach police dispatch at 562-435-6711 or submit anonymous tips through LA Crime Stoppers.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.