Copper thieves are seeking out the richest areas for their prized material due to it being such a hot commodity and lucrative unlawful business. Such areas could include electrical power stations, middle class homes, or a highway construction site. According to a CNBC article, Mark Koba states, “Those are just a handful of recent targets across the U.S. in the $1 billion business of copper theft.”

So, why do people steal copper in the first place? Well, the profits are great because it is a valuable metal for scrap. Copper is used for many different items ranging from fiber optics, plumbing, and everything electrical. Also, the punishment for stealing copper is minimal – so the risk is low. According to the Department of Energy, the possibility of getting caught, prosecuted and convicted are all next to none.

Other reasons could include a bad economy. Most of the time when the economy is at a low, the construction industry suffers. It has been reported that unemployed construction workers could reluctantly harvest copper from various resources to make a quick buck.

Suffice it to say, not all copper thieves are construction workers. However, some thieves can be downright mean. According to a Gizmodo article, Adrian Covert states, “In the Northern California city of San Leandro, 10,000 feet of copper wire was stolen in the middle of the night from underground, leaving some residents without power.” The article also raises concerns about the heightened desperation of the copper crooks by stating, “there was one man in Illinois who died after trying to rip out a live copper wire from a power substation. He was literally blown out of his shoes.”

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the five leading states for the thefts are Ohio, Texas, Georgia, California and Illinois. By the continual targeting of electrical substations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, and water wells, copper thieves pose a threat to crucial U.S. infrastructure.

Unfortunately stopping the copper theft epidemic is unlikely, but attempts to make it less attractive are being made. For example, some utility companies are using copper weld wiring instead of just straight copper. According to the CNBC article, Mark Koba explains this new wiring technique by stating, “It has a steel core and copper on the outside. It costs [the utility companies] a lot to put it in but it doesn’t have the same value as straight copper wiring so we expect this to cut back on thefts.”

In reality, if the price of copper remains high enough to encourage thieving, this problem is not going away any time soon.

Metal thieves operate solo or in pairs to cut, detach, and steal air conditioner unit copper coils and other metal from residences nationwide. It, along with business theft, has become a global epidemic. Thieves see it as an easy way to make a quick buck. They show a lack of remorse when their crimes affect homeowners and communities alike.

Federal and state laws require all scrap-metal dealers to register with an online database accessible by law enforcement agencies to help investigations. These laws further require scrap-metal dealers to install and use cameras and keep accurate records of all sellers and items.

Despite these laws homes still aren’t safe from metal thieves. Even homes in gated, well-maintained, and well-patrolled communities aren’t free from thievery. In fact, the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows that from the years of 2012 to 2014, 39,993 insurance claims were filed in the United States.

The five leading states for theft are: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, and California. The cost to homeowners and businesses is considerably greater than the few hundred received by metal thieves at scrap yards. Replacement and restoration costs can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. None of this is okay!

These tips, in combination, can help protect you against theft:

• Be selective about who you let on your property.
• Clearly mark private property with “No Trespassing” signs.
• Don’t park or store vehicles in the same spot for too long.
• Keep items out of sight, locked up, or securely stored when not in use.
• Let trusted friends, family, or neighbors know when you plan on leaving town.
• Invest in metal theft prevention solutions such as pole light locks, panel locks, plastic downspout nozzles, and storm or floor grates.
• Report suspicious people and/or vehicles to law enforcement.
• Install and use security cameras around the perimeter of your property.

If a metal theft does occur, call law enforcement immediately, so that local recyclers and scrap-metal dealers can be on the lookout.

Since 2008, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has tracked the number of metal theft claims filed throughout the United States, for the purpose of raising awareness. Most of the data in the latest release, frankly, shows an alarming increase in the theft of metal; particularly copper.

From 2012 to 2014, 39,993 insurance claims were filed – 98 percent resulting from copper theft alone. This shows a 36 percent increase in claims when compared with the 25,083 claims filed from 2009 to 2011. The five leading states for theft are: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, and California.

The reason behind these thefts is actually quite simple: Copper can be found almost everywhere – both in plain sight; just look at intricate folds of Lady Liberty’s dress, and out of sight –  and it’s increasingly valuable on the market. In fact, on Tuesday copper futures rose 2.3% to $2.22 a pound on the New York Mercantile Exchange, according to this recent article on The Wall Street Journal.

The Impacts of Copper Theft

Because copper is one of those metals that when combined with other metals, such as zinc or nickel to form an alloy, its unique properties become invaluable for a multitude of useful purposes including: corrosion resistance, electrical conduction, flexibility, strength, and durability. It also contains several antimicrobial properties. Its best property, however, lies in the fact that copper is endlessly recyclable.

Copper is a critical resource – vital to our modern lives as we continue to use it for our housing, transportation, technology, and electrical use. This is why 39,993 insurance claims in a span of two-years is a HUGE problem! A problem that according to the FBI presents a fairly significant problem for our country – “a threat to public safety and U.S. critical infrastructure.”

Reducing the Risk of Copper Theft

To stem the overwhelming amount of thefts, which the U.S. Department of Energy reports as causing businesses nearly $1 billion in losses each year, are tools such as those found here. Businesses and individuals can do their part to prevent these kinds of thefts by remaining vigilant in their communities. If you notice any suspicious activity, immediately report it to your local law enforcement agency.