Thieves target public and private infrastructure to strip copper for scrap, causing widespread, damaging, and dangerous disruptions to essential services. The cost to repair the damage often vastly outweighs the value of the stolen metal.

There used to be a free EV charging station 2 miles from me. It was destroyed by copper thieves.

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-copper-wire-theft-leaves-californians-dark-we-must-ensure