Transient Arrested for Copper Wire Theft and Outstanding Warrants
By Jim Emerson
MORAGA — A transient is in custody for copper wire theft at a hardware store. The suspect allegedly
used a ruse to steal copper wiring from Outdoor Supply Hardware on Canyon Road in Moraga.
The theft occurred on September 3. A man stuffed rolls of copper wiring inside an empty box and
sealed it with tape to make it appear unopened. The wire worth nearly $1,300 was concealed inside a
shop vacuum cleaner box. The suspect paid approximately $110 and left the store taking the hidden
wire with him.
The suspect is Mitchell B. Garcia, a 45-year-old transient from San Jose. Garcia returned to the store
on September 5. It seems he intended to return other possibly stolen merchandise for cash.
A store manger recognized the man from a security video recording and phoned Moraga police.
Garcia was detained at the store until officers came and arrested him at 1:53 p.m. In addition to the copper
wire theft, Garcia was arrested for outstanding warrants from other counties. Garcia was also found in
possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office issued a press release to announce that it filed
charges against him. Garcia is charged with grand theft PC 487(A) plus enhancements, because he
has prior convictions. Garcia remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility ineligible for release
on bond. His next scheduled court hearing is September 19.
Theft of copper wire has become a chronic problem in the San Francisco Bay Area. Copper is being
stolen from stores and outdoor telecommunications equipment. Stolen copper wiring is typically sold to
recycling centers.
