Suspect Arrested in Connection with Copper Cable Thefts from Telecommunications Infrastructure Throughout San Mateo County, Including Half Moon Bay

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PRESS RELEASE. From the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office on April 6th, 2026.

PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif. – The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with a series of copper cable thefts from essential telecommunications infrastructure throughout San Mateo County.

Between Feb. 1, 2026, and March 18, 2026, there were 11 reported copper cable thefts involving
telecommunications infrastructure in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction including Half Moon Bay, La Honda, Portola Valley and Woodside. The thefts have amounted to approximately 2,800 feet of stolen copper wire, valued at more than $225,000.

On March 23, 2026, at around 4:15 a.m., an additional theft occurred in the 4000 block of Sand Hill Road in Woodside. Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly identified a suspect vehicle through the use of Automated License Plate Reader technology. Sheriff’s Office detectives who had been working leads in the case tracked the vehicle to a scrap metal facility where the suspect sold the copper cable. Through cooperation from the facility, the Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 53-year-old Michael Galbreath of Union City.

On March 24, 2026, officers with the South San Francisco Police Department located and stopped Galbreath’s vehicle. Sheriff’s Office detectives responded and arrested Galbreath. A search of the vehicle revealed additional copper cable, evidence, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Galbreath, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing ammunition. Galbreath was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility for felony grand theft of copper materials and various Penal Code and Health and Safety Code violations.

The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Galbreath. Following Galbreath’s first appearance in court, he was released from custody on his Own Recognizance. The Sheriff’s Office does not determine the bail schedule.

The arrest comes after the Sheriff’s Office has allocated significant resources to investigate the recent thefts of copper cable from telecommunications infrastructure throughout its jurisdiction. “We recognize how disruptive these crimes can be for our community and we are committed to addressing copper theft,” said Sheriff Ken Binder. “This arrest is the result of great police work combined with interagency
collaboration and the effective use of technology.”

Investigators are continuing to work leads in this crime series and deputies are keeping a close eye on areas with telecommunications infrastructure. The community’s partnership and vigilance plays a key role in assisting the Sheriff’s Office with keeping the community safe and protecting essential infrastructure.

The Sheriff’s Office is sharing the following safety tips:

• Community members are encouraged to watch for suspicious activity around utility poles, roadside
  boxes and construction areas.
• Residents with surveillance cameras are asked to review footage for suspicious activity and report
  relevant information to the Sheriff’s Office.
• If you See Something, Say Something. Report unusual activity by calling the Sheriff’s Office non-
  emergency line at 650-363-4911, or dial 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 1-800-547-2700.

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