Two men were arrested on February 25 for allegedly stealing copper wire from city-owned streetlight poles in Morgan Hill. The arrests came shortly after the Morgan Hill Police Department (MHPD) issued a public notice seeking help regarding ongoing thefts in the area.
Earlier, on February 23, MHPD officers discovered that thieves had stolen copper wire from several streetlight poles on Butterfield Boulevard, between East Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road. The thieves gained access to the wires by removing concrete covers or digging under the concrete base of the light poles.
The thefts caused multiple streetlights to lose power, significantly impacting the area. Authorities noted that the thieves frequently used professional-looking vehicles, equipment, and uniforms to conceal their crimes while stealing during the day.
At 11:52 PM on February 25, a city employee spotted two men tampering with a light pole power box at Butterfield Boulevard and Fisher Avenue. Upon noticing the employee, the suspects fled the scene.
MHPD officers were already en route and soon located Miguel Corona Valdez, 32, walking on Butterfield Boulevard. He was taken into custody without incident. Shortly after, officers found Candelario Contreras Rios, 38, near Monterey Road and Vineyard Boulevard, where he was also apprehended.
An investigation revealed that the stolen copper wire had caused the streetlights in the area to lose power, with damage estimated at over $20,000.
Valdez and Rios were both booked at the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, grand theft, and conspiracy.