Metal Theft Suspect Arrested During Compliance Check 

September 19, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that on Friday, September 13, 2024, Commercial Crime Division’s Metal Theft Unit (MTU), in collaboration with the Office of Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian, conducted compliance checks at recycling centers and metal yards in the San Fernando Valley.

During the checks, MTU recovered 290 pounds of street lighting wire stolen from the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting, which has an estimated value of $2,000.00.

290 pounds of street lighting wire, estimated to be worth $10,000.00, was stolen from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

256 pounds bronze plaque stolen from the City of Burbank, with an estimated value of $10,000.00.

3,366 pounds of copper and aluminum wire, estimated to be worth $24,000.00, were stolen from Caltrans.

Due to the amount of copper and aluminum wire recovered and the recovery of a bronze City of Burbank plaque, the owner of Tuxford Recycling, Bedros “Peter” Zhamkochian, was arrested for 496a(a) PC-Receiving Stolen Property, Booking #6883281.

Detectives are requesting that anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-5920 between 6 a.m., and 4 p.m. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P-3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department