Three San Jose recycling centers cited for purchasing stolen scrap metal

The San Jose Police Department cited three recycling centers for buying stolen copper wire and other scrap metal in April after an undercover investigation, according to a news release.

Detectives from the police’s Vice Unit began the investigation after an uptick in reports of copper wire thefts in San Jose, authorities said.

“Copper wire theft literally leaves our neighborhoods in the dark, threatens public safety and drains resources,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan in the news release. “We are sending a clear message: If you profit off stolen property, you are part of the problem — and you will be held accountable.”

Two businesses were cited with two crimes each related to buying, receiving or possessing stolen property April 9, authorities said. A third business was given two citations April 29.

Undercover police officers visited scrap metal recyclers with property such as copper wire spools, electronic parts and metal items. The officers sold the items as stolen property, authorities said.

“If you do business in San José, you have to follow the law,” said police Chief Paul Joseph. “We will not tolerate crime, whether you are the one stealing the copper wire or purchasing it with the intention of making a dime off of victims.”

This is not the first time recycling businesses in San Jose have come under scrutiny for allegedly purchasing stolen items. In February 2023, a metal statue that had been stolen out of a city park was located in the lobby of a metal scrapyard. That scrapyard had received criminal citations several times in prior years related to purchasing stolen items, including in 2007 and 2021. The owner of that scrap metal yard agreed in a settlement with the city in 2023 that his business would only purchase legally obtained catalytic converters and copper wire.

The investigation was assisted by the police department’s Financial Crimes Unit and the San Jose Department of Transportation, authorities added. There was further collaboration from the San Jose Code Enforcement Department, the City Attorney’s Office and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.