Copper wire theft has left a bridge nicknamed the Ribbon of Light without its illuminations.
The 6th Street Viaduct over the Los Angeles River, California, on the west coast of the USA, opened in summer 2022 and is famed for its coloured lights. Drawing visitors keen for a picture, it is particularly popular as a backdrop for posts on social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok, with its ten arch spans and hangers (link opens in new tab).
But because of copper theft a third of the lights went out just before the Christmas period.
The city’s Bureau of Street Lighting told the LA Times that they suspect a network of thieves. Copper thefts are an increasing problem in the US, affecting transport and power infrastructure. But when the theft is not witnessed, it may be some time before it is reported to the police. A number of city bodies in Los Angeles are working together to improve the reporting process and to improve the security of copper wires on the crossing.
