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Copper Thefts

The increased demand for nonferrous metals around the world and especially in China has driven up the price of scrap material and fostered an increase in theft. Local authorities around the U.S. contribute most of the petty thefts in residential areas to mehtamphetamine abuse.

Scrap dealers are paying a record price for copper and aluminum and in too many cases no questions are asked. Popular targets include air conditioning coils, building wire, pipefittings, plumbing fixtures, gutters, roofing materials and siding. The cost goes beyond the replacement of the lost materials. Damage repair, increased security and higher insurance rates must also be added to the contractors’ overhead.

Often the materials are torn from vacant buildings and unguarded construction sites. Thieves are literally ripping wire and plumbing from the walls and aluminum siding from buildings. Though quick yank-and-runs are the most popular crimes the increased financial incentive has encouraged more bold ventures into warehouses and laydown yards. Some thieves pose as contractors to access target areas with little suspicion.





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