Copper thieves hit Morgan Hill over the weekend, ripping wiring out of several streetlight poles on Saturday, plunging blocks into darkness and saddling the city with hefty repair bills. Detectives are investigating and Morgan Hill police are asking residents to share tips or call the department’s non-emergency line at 408-779-2101.
Police Share Photos, Ask For Tips
According to the Morgan Hill Police Department on Facebook, unknown suspects pulled copper wire out of multiple light poles, knocking out street lighting and causing what officials estimate as tens of thousands of dollars in damage and repair costs. The post shows photos of stripped power boxes and urges anyone with information or video to contact investigators. The department lists 408-779-2101 as the non-emergency dispatch number.
A Recurring, Costly Problem
This is not the first time copper thieves have gone after Morgan Hill’s streetlights. In February 2025, officers arrested two people after patrols found copper that police said had been taken from light poles, with damages estimated at over $20,000, according to The Morgan Hill Times. Those arrests came amid a wider run of metal thefts across the South Bay that have left stretches of roadway dark and created ongoing safety headaches for residents.
Regional Costs and a State Response
Across Santa Clara County and neighboring cities, copper stripped from public infrastructure has racked up big repair tabs. Gilroy officials have said past park thefts alone cost the city more than $150,000, and local leaders have pushed for tighter rules on scrap dealers so stolen metal is harder to unload, as reported by the Gilroy Dispatch. In Sacramento, lawmakers responded with AB 476, which tightens reporting requirements and increases penalties for scrap metal transactions. The bill was signed in October 2025 and took effect January 1, according to California legislative records.
How Neighbors Can Help
Police say residents can help by staying alert, especially at night. If you see anyone working around the base of a light pole, or unmarked trucks parked oddly close to streetlights, call 911 for a crime in progress or Morgan Hill Police non-emergency dispatch at 408-779-2101. Do not confront anyone. If it is safe, save any video or photos and share them with investigators. The department notes that these tips can help detectives track leads and recover evidence, which can be crucial in copper theft cases.
