There appears to be no end in sight when it comes to problems that have plagued the Sixth Street Bridge, which has been targeted by copper wire thieves.
The bridge, which first opened in 2022, is covered with graffiti, but it won’t be as visible at night as many of the lights don’t work with missing copper wires.
LAPD Cmrd. Lillian Carraza with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Bureau pointed out the problem on social media, adding the Sixth Street Bridge no longer lights up at night.
“Thieves repeatedly steal the copper wiring and have left the bridge in the dark,” Carraza said, adding patrols have been increased.
Our Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles no longer lights up at night and it is covered with graffiti. Thieves repeatedly steal the copper wiring and have left the bridge in the dark. Patrol has been increased and graffiti removal requested.
Fixing the issues plaguing the… pic.twitter.com/aW9ns1rfk7
— Lillian L. Carranza🇺🇸 (@LAPDCARRANZA) September 12, 2025
Those who live in the Arts District neighborhood of downtown LA said what the bridge has become is a disappointment.
“The bridge used to be lit up, and now the lights are gone,” said Charlie, who declined to share his last name, as he enjoys taking a walk in the neighborhood near the bridge. “It’d be a real joy to have the flights come back on the bridge one day.”
Another neighbor pointed out copper wire theft extends beyond the bridge.
“I think it’s bad everywhere in Los Angeles,” Amy, who did not want to give her last name, said. “Yes, bad on the bridge, but I would rather have the copper wire stuff be dealt with in residential neighborhoods where people are walking, and there’s more of a threat.”
Cmdr. Carraza highlighted that fixing the issues on the $588 million bridge will require a multi-layer, community-focused approach.
LA Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s Office, whose district includes the Sixth Street Bridge, sent crews to remove graffiti Friday morning.
The Los Angeles Conservation Core, which has been hired to help clean up the bridge, will have work cut out for it as the bridge’s arches, bases as well as nearby sidewalks and barriers are all covered with graffiti.
LA Mayor Karen Bass’ Office agreed that vandalism and copper wire theft has been an ongoing issue across the city.
“Mayor Bass has worked to better deliver city services and maintain infrastructure projects long-term throughout Los Angeles,” her office said in a statement to NBC Los Angeles. “The LAPD has a dedicated Heavy Metal Task Force that will continue to hold people accountable and made more than 100 arrests and recovered thousands of pounds of copper wire in 2024.”
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