Los Angeles fire budget cut, hundreds of hydrants stolen for scrap before fires

[Valletta]

“These fire hydrant thefts are yet another sign of how crime is out of control in Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman to The Center Square before his November election. “Thieves know they’ll face little or no consequences if they are caught, so they’re willing to risk the public’s safety for a small profit."Los Angeles fire budget cut, hundreds of hydrants stolen for scrap before fires

They just gave a guy probation in my home town for stealing copper, and I believe it was his second offense.