2 Arrested In Latest VTA Copper Theft: Police

SAN JOSE, CA — Deputies in Santa Clara County caught two people accused of stealing a large amount of copper wire near the Cropley light rail station in San Jose. Investigators said the theft was just the latest in a string of similar crimes that have caused safety issues and required costly repairs for the Valley Transportation Authority.

"So far this year, there have been two dozen cases of copper theft resulting in more than $500,000 in damage," the sheriff's office said. "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."

Investigators said thieves often cut visible wire near platforms, then scan the area for signs of law enforcement. The culprits later return to the scene to remove the copper. In one case last month, the sheriff's office said more than 60 feet of copper wire was taken near the Hostetter light rail station, causing nearly $200,000 in damage.

On Monday, the sheriff's office received a report about a theft in progress near the Cropley station, where a witness reported a suspect in a white pickup truck near the tracks. Officials said the suspect was later seen near the Reamwood station in Sunnyvale, where Transit Patrol deputies pulled over the truck.

Inside, deputies said they discovered roughly 20 feet of stolen copper wire, valued at $10,000, along with methamphetamine. The sheriff's office identified the two suspects as Danielle Mayo, 60, and Frank Pacheco, 55. Both were booked into jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property, possessing methamphetamine and conspiracy.

Investigators said it was too soon to know if the pair could be linked to other recent thefts targeting VTA equipment. The sheriff's office urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity near VTA tracks.