Vandals severed more than 1,400 Spectrum fiber-optic lines on Friday, Aug. 7, then hit Verizon's network the following day, disrupting internet and cell service for thousands of customers across Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Koreatown.
No arrests have been made. Both companies are offering $25,000 rewards for information leading to an arrest.
Spectrum called the Aug. 7 incident a criminal attack on its infrastructure. Photographs from the Baldwin Hills neighborhood, where the cuts occurred, show cables ripped from the ground and sliced in half, according to Canyon News. Spectrum dispatched crews to splice the damaged lines, but thousands of customers lost service.
One day later, on Saturday, Aug. 8, a similar strike targeted Verizon's fiber-optic network, causing widespread cell phone and internet outages across Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Verizon announced its $25,000 reward on Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to Century City-Westwood News. The company urged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure to contact local emergency services or call Verizon Security at 1-800-997-3287.
Why it matters for residents
The back-to-back attacks raise serious concerns about emergency communications. Physical fiber-optic cuts can disable 911 dispatch centers, emergency service communications, medical networks and aviation systems, according to the Century City-Westwood News report, citing law enforcement officials. For Beverly Hills residents who rely on internet-based phone service or cellular connections for emergencies, the attacks represent a direct safety threat.
A statewide pattern
The attacks fit a broader trend. California recorded 6,297 telecom infrastructure attacks in 2025, with Los Angeles County accounting for 1,131 of those incidents, according to NCTA industry data. Statewide losses exceeded $252 million. Together with Texas, California accounts for more than half of all reported telecom vandalism nationally.
The NCTA data links the spike to rising metal market values driving copper and equipment theft from utility, transit and telecom operations.
No suspects identified
As of Wednesday, Aug. 12, no arrests have been confirmed in connection with either attack. Neither the Beverly Hills Police Department nor LAPD has issued a public statement naming suspects.
Residents with information can contact Verizon Security at 1-800-997-3287 or report tips to local law enforcement.
