What started as a quiet Friday morning in Van Nuys ended with police pulling a suspected copper thief out of a school trash can. Officers detained at least two people after responding to reports of a man cutting copper pipes on the playground at Anatola Avenue Elementary. When police arrived, they set up a perimeter around the campus and searched the grounds. One person was discovered hiding in a trash can on school property, while another individual was believed to have been serving as a getaway driver. The investigation remains active.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the LAPD said officers actually saw a man in the act of cutting copper pipes on the school's playground before locking down the area and launching the search. The outlet reports that at least two people were taken into custody following the sweep. Police have not released the names of the detainees or any charges associated with the incident, and no additional details were immediately made public.
About the campus
Per Anatola Avenue Elementary's site, the school is located at 7364 Anatola Ave in the Lake Balboa area and serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The campus hosts several after-school programs and has previously partnered with local law enforcement for community-focused events. As of publication time, district officials had not stated to reporters about the incident.
Copper thefts and recent arrests in L.A.
Copper and utility-wire thefts have been a recurring headache across Los Angeles, prompting local law enforcement to step up enforcement. The LAPD recovered roughly $50,000 worth of stolen copper wire in a Mission Hills operation, according to CBS Los Angeles, and other cases have involved suspects stashing themselves in manholes or underground vaults. Regional coverage of a January manhole standoff in Chatsworth highlights the extremes some suspects reach and the safety risks that create, per FOX 11.
Investigation ongoing
The LAPD told NBC Los Angeles that officers were collecting evidence at the scene and that the inquiry remains active. School and district representatives had not provided public comments by the time of reporting. As detectives work the case, residents with information about the incident may be asked by investigators to come forward.
