The Santa Clara County, California, Sheriff’s Office Transit Patrol Division has responded to an increasing number of copper thefts occurring on Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) property. So far this year, there have been two dozen cases of copper theft resulting in more than $500,000 in damage. These crimes not only interrupt VTA operations, but also pose a serious safety hazard.
In several cases, the theft of copper wire has been cut close to the signal tracks, disabling warning lights and gates.
On March 11, 2024, a copper theft in-progress was reported near the VTA Cropley Light Rail Station in San Jose, where a suspect and a white pickup truck was spotted near the tracks. A short time later, at about 1:30 p.m., the suspect was seen in the area of the VTA Reamwood Light Rail Station in the City of Sunnyvale. Transit Patrol deputies made an enforcement stop nearby of a vehicle matching the description of the pickup truck. During the investigation, deputies located suspected stolen VTA copper wire valued at $10,000 inside the truck. Danielle Mayo and Frank Pacheco were both arrested for suspicion of possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were booked in downtown San Jose. The stolen wire is approximately 20 feet in length and weighs more than 100 pounds. It is not yet known if the suspects are responsible for any other VTA-related copper thefts.