The current price of copper in U.S. dollars per pound is $3.44, while metals like stainless steel are around $0.23 per pound. Mark copper: Chemical markers or microdots can be used to identify copper and track it back to its origin. Yes, copper theft is a significant problem affecting various industries and communities worldwide. Get a roundup of the most important and intriguing national stories delivered to your inbox every weekday. in thousands of dollars in damages, replacement costs, and environmental clean-up. Posted on May 12, 2015December 9, 2021. 4. For transportation officials, its more than just dollars. However, it can pose potential safety risks to human health and the environment if not handled with proper care. Unfortunately, people struggling with addiction may resort to theft to feed their habit. If you or a loved one are struggling, we can help! Determining who is stealing your copper wire can be almost impossible. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Or you can fill out the following form to learn more on how we can help your business. Protective gear: It is always best to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with copper, such as goggles, gloves, aprons, and boots, to prevent direct contact with the skin or eyes. Similarly, electrical wires made of copper can be encased in PVC jackets or other insulation materials that can protect them from abrasion, heat, or moisture. I'm often imitated but can't be duplicated, and that's fact ! We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Law enforcement agencies are taking steps to combat copper theft, including increasing patrols and working with scrap metal yards to prevent criminals from selling stolen copper. RCMP looking for person of interest in copper theft. Today Moncton's Fire Marshal says about 40 abandoned homes have been stripped of copper wiring and piping @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/K3E0GRuQj5. But police and the province remain tight lipped about how much the thieves got away with. Its extensively utilized in many industries, and its value as a commodity has resulted in a significant increase in theft. So they start cutting. AMA: I steal copper from old abandoned lots in order to turn a - Reddit The complainant advised that two individuals with flashlights were inside an abandoned residence. Copper belongs to a category of non-ferrous metals and is widely utilized in various applications. Burglary and Trespassing Four Face Charges For Stealing Copper Wire From Abandoned Warsaw a ravnos sent me this when i asked him to stop stealing copper wiring from abandoned houses, what does it mean? Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. For example, stealing copper from a facility that produces, stores, or distributes chemicals or hazardous waste is a federal crime. FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. Our Stuart, FL, rehab center offers various levels of addiction treatment and substance-specific programs to address all kinds of substance use disorders. You should also limit access to areas containing copper. Copper thieves raiding area's vacant homes - Lowell Sun Copper theft not only causes financial losses for businesses and individuals, it also poses significant safety risks. This is because the theft of copper can potentially cause damage to these facilities, leading to environmental hazards and potential harm to nearby communities. Copper is a widely used metal with a range of applications, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and construction. One of the major exposures facing vacant property is theft. Information for the assessment was developed through May 2008 from the following sources: Reporting relative to the impact of copper thefts on US critical infrastructure was derived from the FBI and open sources. Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. Open-source reporting indicated that from January 2001 to March 2008, the price of copper increased more than 500 percent. "Nation Decay" Abandoned - Copper Thief House 1 (TV Episode 2015) - IMDb The metal's skyrocketing scrap value is inspiring criminals to hit houses, making off with copper coils in air-conditioning units, copper wires, even the copper pipes used for plumbing, leaving some perplexed residents without running water. - What Are The Different Types of AA Meetings? To prevent copper theft, people can take several measures such as securing their premises, installing security cameras, locking up valuable items, and using alternative materials for plumbing installations. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. And since pressure switches connect to home security systems, such a shift sounds the alarm and alerts the authorities. Error! Thieves see copper as a valuable commodity and can sell it in scrap yards at a high price compared to other metals. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Hence, it is vital to avoid discharging copper waste into water bodies, such as rivers or lakes. Theft of copper is not a new phenomenon, but it has increased in recent years, mainly due to its value as a traded commodity. All Rights Reserved. The U.S. Department of Energy says the rise in thefts has grown into a $1 billion per year issue, according to West Bend insurance. Avoid inhalation: Copper dust or fumes can cause respiratory irritation or damage the lungs. 2 The Orlando Sentinel, Theft Causes Power Outage, 21 March 2008, available at www.orlandosentinel.com.3 Murphree, Julie. In Missouri, where the problem is particularly bad on U.S. Highway 71, which connects the south suburbs to downtown Kansas City, the state transportation department put theft-deterrent doors on light pole bases that need special tools to open them, Barry said. Abandoned - Copper Thief House 1: Directed by Jaden Petrucci. In Washington state, which has spent nearly $250,000 in repair and replacement costs since July 2017, workers have welded junction box covers and replaced copper with aluminum wire in some areas because its cheaper and less appealing to thieves, said transportation department spokeswoman Barbara LaBoe. WATCH:Copper wire thefts lead to power and phone outages. We work hard to deliver timely, relevant news, for free. Athens County, Ohio - On March 2, 2023, the Athens County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a breaking and entering in progress on Spring Street in Glouster at approximately 11:25pm. This can make it easier to catch thieves and recover stolen copper. Success! Water safety: Copper can react with water to create a toxic substance called copper sulfate, which is harmful to the environment and aquatic life. . The kind of people who steal copper from abandoned buildings and live radio towers aren't generally qualified electricians. Some make dealers provide better documentation, such as noting the license plate of the vehicle that transported the metal. Thieves have been stripping copper wire from abandoned houses, commercial buildings and construction sites for years. The most common reason is for the monetary value that metals carry. In northwest Indiana, the state Department of Transportation teamed up with the state police, which has stepped up patrols around highway lighting. Right now, Barry said, large portions of one 12-mile stretch and another 5-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 71 have no lights. But ultimately, it didnt keep the thieves away. 7. A 2007 report by the US Department of Energy estimated that metal theft cost US businesses approximately $1bn a year. These events contributed to copper production shortfalls and led to an increase in recycling, which in turn created a market for copper.6. Similarly, an oil or wax coating can repel water or other corrosive chemicals from the copper surface and lubricate it to prevent friction and wear. This is not a harmless crime, by any means.. Stateline maintains editorial independence. For some, the prospect of making a quick profit is more appealing than the risks involved in other criminal activities such as robbery or drug dealing. And were fixing the same locations multiple times., So far this year, Missouris transportation department has spent about $850,000 on light repairs caused by the theft of copper wire, Barry said. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Overall, the reasons for metal theft are complex and multifaceted. AFA Protective Systems prides itself in being a preferred distributor of Notifier fire alarm systems and equipment. Copper thefts from these targets have increased since 2006; and they are currently disrupting the flow of electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water supply, heating, and security and emergency services, and present a risk to both public safety and national security. Isabelle LeBlanc from the City of Moncton says there was also incident at the Hall Betts Sports Complex about a month ago. Therefore, it is important to dispose of copper waste properly by recycling or repurposing it, or by following local waste management regulations. She says thieves stripped the copper wiring from the lights of the sports field, which the city had to replace. The high cost of scrap copper can be attributed to a combination of factors such as its valuable and versatile applications, limited supply, and global supply and demand dynamics. monastery pleads guilty to voyeurism. For businesses, the immediate impact might be a loss of assets and added expense to replace stolen materials. Despite efforts from law enforcement and businesses to prevent theft, copper theft remains a significant issue in many parts of the world, causing harm to businesses and public services alike. Deputies determined that Shafer had an active felony warrant for Possession of Drugs (F5) issued by the Athens County Court of Common Pleas. Coal mine rescue: 3 people found alive inside West Virginia coal mine The targets were most often foreclosed homes. Thieves are plumbing the inner depths of abandoned Greater Lowell homes, stripping valuable copper pipes and wires for scrap-metal resale to feed hungry drug habits, police say. From Iowa to Ohio and Australia to South Africa, copper thieves risk their own as well as other people's lives, leaving in their wake paths of destruction and endless possibilities for more senseless deaths. 1 WAPT.com, Copper Thieves Silence Tornado Siren, 8 April 2008, available at www.wapt.com. In 2011, they reached a peak of $4.50/poundan all-time historic high. This leaves state workers exposed to a risk of electrocution when making repairs or doing maintenance. Third, copper can . And while copper theft ebbs and flows, often depending on the economy and the metals price, it never goes away. 4. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. interstate highways, from abandoned houses and industrial sites, and several would-be thieves have been electrocuted or killed in the process of trying to steal copper wire. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The shredded copper is then sorted using different methods, such as magnetic separation, air classification, and flotation, based on its quality and purity. Addicts may steal copper by breaking into abandoned homes and buildings. But as prized as the metal is, copper . With this said, addicts steal copper to make quick money to buy more drugs or alcohol. But they also have taken aim at public rights of way, creating a rash of headaches for public safety and transportation officials. 02:43 - Source: HLN. Sign up today! State transportation officials have been fighting back by installing what they hope is tamper-proof equipment. The crooks, some of whom police say are drug addicts looking for quick cash, take their loot to scrap recycling yards to sell it. Current economic conditions, such as the rising cost of gasoline, food, and consumer goods, the declining housing market, the ease through which copper is exchanged for cash, and the lack of a significant deterrent effect, make it likely that copper thefts will remain a lucrative financial resource for criminals. Apart from their usefulness in plumbing and industrial applications, copper pipes are also a valuable source of scrap, which can be recycled and reused. Monetary losses to TECO were approximately $500,000. Due to its high conductivity, ductility, and corrosion resistance, copper is a valuable commodity that thieves can easily sell and profit from. Plating is another method of protecting copper by depositing a thin layer of a more corrosion-resistant metal on top of it. Improve lighting: Good lighting can make it easier for security personnel to monitor activity and prevent theft. Copper thieves are threatening US critical infrastructure by targeting electrical sub-stations, cellular towers,. Its kind of like throwing your money in the trash can.. Copper Thieves Strike America's Roadways - Stateline According to open-source reporting, on 20 March 2008, nearly 4,000 residents in Polk County, Florida, were left without power after copper wire was stripped from an active transformer at a Tampa Electric Company (TECO) power facility. A search of one suspects home found glass methamphetamine pipes, a digital scale and meth residue on top of a dresser. This is where stealing wire comes in. It is advisable to keep copper waste separate from other waste to avoid contamination. Today we venture to an abandoned house that was bought by the state quite a number of years ago to build a highway behind the house and the one beside it. Initial investigation revealed the two subjects as 36-year-old Roger Reeves of Ward and 33- year-old Michael Curtis. As a result, copper theft has become a common and costly crime that affects everyone from homeowners to businesses and infrastructure providers. Moreover, some people steal metals to support their drug habits. The demand and high resale value of copper make it an attractive target for thieves. Stateline provides daily reporting and analysis on trends in state policy. In Washington state, some Department of Transportation regional offices likewise reported a spike in copper wire theft. Copper is the most commonly stolen metal. The cost of transportation and refining further adds to the high price of copper. Last month, a thief in Billings, Montana, stripped about 5 miles of copper wiring from city streetlights. Home News Security Copper Theft: Who Is Stealing Your Copper Wire, and What Can You Do to Stop It? Thieves often leave a trail of destruction behind, ripping apart walls and floors to get to the pipes. Shelley Steeves has more Sep 28, 2017. In Lowell, there . Additionally, copper is available in houses in various forms, including piping, wiring, and other fixtures, making it accessible to thieves. Copper thieves frequently target abandoned homes or new-builds that have not been completed, after which they sell the scrap metal. The theft of copper has significant implications for individuals, businesses, and communities. We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today. In some cases, people use specialized equipment such as saws and bolt cutters to remove copper pipes from walls, floors, and ceilings. We can help! But they also have taken aim at public rights of way, creating a rash of headaches for public safety and transportation officials. That means the better question to ask is how to prevent copper wire theft in the future. Make sure there is . For instance, some companies have resorted to using anti-theft devices, such as locking mechanisms and tamper-resistant wiring, to deter thieves. An official website of the United States government. As the global supply of copper continues to tighten, the market for illicit copper will likely increase. 2. Jackson Lee Says She Will Introduce Legislation That Enlists Help of FBI, The Houston Chronicle, 6 September 2008. Continue with Recommended Cookies. However, with concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, and law enforcement agencies, the problem of copper theft can be mitigated and minimized. Increase physical security: You can install physical barriers such as fences, gates, and security cameras to deter potential thieves. Therefore, it is essential to follow some safety precautions to prevent any adverse effects related to copper use. When copper is recycled, it is usually processed using a thermal or mechanical method. And eventually, the victim reaches the point where they are wondering about how to get new copper wire installed in their building and how to prevent a similar problem in the future. State law varies on whether a person can be charged with burglarizing or trespassing on property that has been abandoned. What is the reason for people to steal metals? Law enforcement agencies also play an important role in preventing copper theft by increasing patrols and working with scrap metal yards to prevent the sale of stolen copper. Its gotten a lot worse in our area, said Susan Barry, a Missouri Department of Transportation assistant district engineer in the Kansas City area. Anyone who recognizes the person in the photos or has information pertaining to the incident is asked to please contact the Hanahan Police Department at 843-747-5711. Early detection can prevent further loss of copper. Metal theft is a significant problem worldwide, representing a multi-billion-dollar problem annually. Disability and Addiction: Substance Abuse Among the Physically Disabled, Corporate Headquarters: State Agencies Often Resist Pedestrian Safety Fixes on Urban, States Consider Ending Right on Red to Address Rising, Racial Justice, Pedestrian Safety Fuel Jaywalking Debate. In mechanical recycling, used copper products, such as wires, pipes, and other components, are shredded and pulverized into small pieces or granules. The streetlights had gone out there after thieves stole their copper wiring. Sign up and receive email updates on the latest news, events, and more! Thieves have been stripping copper wire from abandoned houses, commercial buildings and construction sites for years. Moncton Fire Marshal Charles LeBlanc says thieves are even breaking into homes to strip away copper water pipes. I will be back with answers tomorrow. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. By maintaining proper handling, storage, and disposal practices, we can minimize the risks associated with copper use and ensure a safe working environment. Get a weekly list of events happening in North Central Pa.! Opportunistic criminals can also turn to copper theft as a means of making quick money. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Many homes have unprotected pipes and wiring, making it easy for thieves to break in and remove the copper. It really doesn't make sense why both homes weren't sold or why they were even bought in the first place. 5. The frequency of copper theft can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the local economy and the price of copper, the ease of access to copper, and the level of security measures in place to prevent theft. Motorists depend on that lighting, especially entering and exiting highways and at intersections, said Timothy Tait, communications director for the Arizona Department of Transportation. This abundance of copper is what makes it an enticing target for thieves. How is AI technology utilized in Video Surveillance Systems? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Stolen copper can be sold in the black market at a high price. Considering this, with enough copper, someone could easily make a good chunk of cash. While stealing copper may not always be considered a federal crime, it is still a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences. Copper wiring has been stripped from street lights and stolen from the construction site of the new bridge linking Moncton and Riverview, N.B. I have been reporting local news for more than three years now and enjoy doing so. Due to these applications, the demand for copper has always been consistently high, and as a result, the prices have remained elevated. Open-source reporting from February 2007 indicates that the global copper supply tightened due to a landslide at the Freeport-McMoran Copper and Cold mine in Grasberg, Indonesia in October 2003 and a workers strike at the El Abra copper mine in Clama, Chile in November 2004. In areas where copper is readily available, such as in abandoned buildings or construction sites, or where security measures are lax, copper theft can occur frequently. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-leader-3-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-leader-3','ezslot_6',154,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-leader-3-0');Furthermore, metal theft could be a result of the poor economic conditions in which individuals live. Additionally, some jurisdictions have passed laws that prohibit scrap metal dealers from buying copper from unlicensed individuals or those without proper identification, making it harder for thieves to profit from their crimes. Metal theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation. But that could lead to other issues, Barry said, such as exposure to bad weather and the unsightly aesthetics of cables overhead. Thieves have been stripping copper wire from abandoned houses, commercial buildings and construction sites for years. Get the latest Job listings in your email! Proper disposal: Copper waste should be disposed of properly in designated hazardous waste facilities. Placing a bid on an abandoned property for sale . by Jenni Bergal, Stateline December 10, 2018. What are the safety precautions for copper? Moreover, copper theft can disrupt critical services like power and telecommunications, leading to a negative impact on the economy and public safety. Metals like copper, steel, nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, and scrap iron have all become desired targets of thieves looking to make a quick dollar. Additionally, the theft of copper from critical infrastructure, such as power plants and communication lines, is also considered a federal offense. There was some light from the traffic signals, said the state transportation departments Barry, so the incident cant totally be blamed on copper wire theft. Copper thieves are threatening US critical infrastructure by targeting electrical substations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes for lucrative profits. One large insurance company cited copper as a particular concern because it can be quickly removed from abandoned or closed buildings and homes. Hence, it should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources or direct sunlight. Copper is one of the most frequently stolen metals, and there are several reasons why this is the case. . As copper is a non-renewable resource, mining and extracting it from mines are labor-intensive and costly processes. A man was photographed damaging the air conditioning units at Restoration Church and stealing copper from the broken units. literally. By submitting this form, you consent to AFA Protections Terms and Services. West Virginians rescued from abandoned mine wanted to steal copper In the past several months, police departments For homeowners, the risk is lower but is still not negligible in many areas. Secondly, copper is relatively easy to access and remove from various locations. @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/8QPDeHRgl3, SSteeves Global (@SSteevesG) September 28, 2017. But they also have taken aim at public rights of way, creating a rash of. Our electricians just cant keep up. Intelligence Assessment (Unclassified) Prepared by the FBI Criminal Intelligence Section September 15, 2008. Its crucial to discern that a broad range of metals and alloys are prone to theft, such as iron, copper, aluminum, brass, and bronze, among others. Copper waste can also release toxic substances into the soil and water, posing a risk to human and animal health. For the general public, disruptions to public services, and the potential for electrical emergencies can increase, leading to power outages and other critical issues. Furthermore, the value of copper pipes fluctuates, depending on various factors such as the demand and supply, coppers market price, and the condition of the pipes. For instance, copper pipes used in plumbing systems can be sealed inside plastic or rubber sleeves to prevent contact with water or other corrosive compounds. For example, a clear lacquer coating can prevent copper from tarnishing or oxidizing by blocking oxygen and moisture. It could be that they are scrap metal collectors who use the materials for their projects, or individuals who work in the construction industry and need the metals for their job. Many homes have unprotected pipes and wiring, making it easy for thieves to break in and remove the copper.
