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.