An owner of an unlicensed auto yard in Compton was in custody Friday on suspicion of receiving stolen copper wire after being apprehended by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies.
Deputies conducted a search warrant around 7 a.m. Wednesday on the 400 block of East Pine Street where they searched the auto yard property and located several hundred pounds of suspected stolen copper utility and telecommunications wires, the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
Gregorio Roberto, the owner of the business, was arrested on suspicion of the felony of receiving known stolen property. Deputies also located bronze statues, plaques and catalytic converters at the auto yard.
Deputies had developed information that the business was knowingly acquiring stolen copper and other non-ferrous metals, the sheriff’s department said.
The sheriff’s department also said that there has been a recent rise in the reported theft of public utility and telecommunication wires, catalytic converters, public statues, fire hydrants and other materials containing non-ferrous metal content. Members of the public can report suspicious activity to law enforcement by dialing 800-222-TIPS.