Internet Outage in L.A. and Ventura Counties Blamed on Copper Thieves, Says Spectrum

An attempted copper theft in Van Nuys led to a significant internet outage affecting many areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties this past Sunday. Spectrum confirmed that vandalism caused disruptions after multiple fiber lines were cut, which left many without internet service for hours.

Spectrum spokesperson Dennis Johnson stated that the damage happened in the early morning hours when individuals, likely seeking copper, climbed trees to access the lines. Reports from social media flooded in as users expressed their frustration, particularly since the outage occurred on Father’s Day.

One user on X wanted to know if customers would receive bill credits due to the outage lasting since 2 AM. Another user expressed skepticism about the company’s explanation, pointing out that a single act of vandalism wouldn’t typically incapacitate such a broad area.

While many experienced interruptions, not everyone was affected equally. Some users reported that their internet service was restored by the afternoon, with efforts to fix the issue continuing into the evening.

Spectrum revealed that restoring service is complex and requires careful work. They needed to splice thousands of fiber lines, which can be time-consuming, even with additional crews on hand. Their statement emphasized that this type of vandalism is becoming a widespread issue in the telecommunications industry, driven by the rising value of precious metals. Cuts like these not only disrupt services for customers but can also jeopardize local businesses and emergency services.

To combat this problem, Spectrum is working with the Los Angeles Police Department and is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest. If anyone has details about the incident, they can contact Spectrum or local law enforcement.

### Additional Insights

The rise in copper thefts is not a new phenomenon. Historically, increases in metal prices tend to lead to more such incidents. In 2022, there was a reported 24% increase in metal thefts in the U.S., affecting not just telecommunications but various industries. Experts suggest that fixing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including stronger enforcement and community awareness.

It’s crucial to remember that these thefts don’t just inconvenience individuals; they can affect entire neighborhoods, delaying emergency response times. As internet service becomes ever more essential, companies and communities must work together to combat this trend of vandalism.



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