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Copper Thieves At it Again

August 18, 2016 by End Metal Theft

copper thieves

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.

Filed Under: Metal Theft News

Preventing Metal Theft at Home

May 27, 2016 by End Metal Theft

preventing metal theft at home

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.

Filed Under: Metal Theft News

The Skinny on Copper Theft

April 27, 2016 by End Metal Theft

copper theft

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.

Filed Under: Metal Theft News

Copper Facts

December 29, 2015 by End Metal Theft

Copper, element number 29 on the periodic table, was one of the first metals to be manipulated by humans. Dating back as far as 5100 B.C., copper ranks as the third-most-consumed industrial metal in the world, after iron and aluminum. It’s unique ductility, malleability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and its resistance to corrosion make it an essential material in our everyday lives. Copper is most commonly used in these applications: electrical wiring, plumbing, telecommunication, and building construction.

Just the Facts

  • Atomic Symbol: Cu
  • Atomic Weight: 63.55
  • Atomic Density: 8.92 grams
  • Phase at Room Temperatures: Solid
  • Melting Point: 1,984.32°F
  • Boiling Point: 5,301°F

Who Knew? Copper Facts

  1. The coloring of copper is both shinny and reddish. Copper is the only metal on the periodic table whole coloring isn’t naturally silver or grey; aside from gold, of course. Copper is one of the few metals found in its native form; which is why it was one of the first metals to be used by ancient people.
  2. Copper artifacts are sprinkled throughout history. A tiny awl, the oldest metal object ever to be found in the Middle East, was discovered buried with a middle-aged woman in an ancient village in Israel. Researchers have found massive copper mines dating back to the 10th century B.C. in Israel.
  3. Copper’s antimicrobial properties are making it increasingly popular in the medical field. It kills bacteria, viruses, and yeasts on contact according to a 2011 paper in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Hospitals are currently doing experimentations on the use of copper to cover frequently touched surfaces.
  4. Approximately two-thirds of the copper on Earth is found in volcanic rocks. A quarter occurs in sedimentary rocks, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Chile is the top copper-producing country in the world, with the largest copper mine being located in Escondida, Chile.
  5. Copper turns green because of an oxidation reaction; that is, it loses electrons when exposed to water and air. The resulting copper oxide is a dull green. This oxidation reaction is the reason the colossal copper-plated Statue of Liberty – located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York – is green rather than orange-red.

6. Because of copper’s unique properties, singularly or in combination, copper is one of the most commonly stolen metals. In fact, according to the FBI, the continuing theft of copper is threatening U.S. infrastructure. To prevent copper theft from affecting your bottom line, consider investing in high-quality anti-theft products, such as plastic downspout nozzles.

Filed Under: Metal Theft News Tagged With: copper facts, end metal theft, metal theft prevention

The Importance of Copper Theft Prevention

November 23, 2015 by End Metal Theft

copper theft prevention

As the price for high-grade copper reaches above $2.00 a pound (nearing $3), many construction and electrical companies face threats from thieves who steal bulk copper, and leave you and/or your customer left footing the replacement bill. Much of the copper theft seen by law enforcement can be attributed to individuals seeking to make a quick buck.

The environmental and financial impact of copper theft is extensive. Thieves strip copper wiring and piping from homes, utility properties, and electrical infrastructure. Service disruptions often ensue. The Department of Energy estimates that a theft of just $100 in copper wire can cost a utility company more than $5,000 to repair.

In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has said that the theft of copper, which is increasingly valuable because it can be used for so many purposes, is threatening U.S. infrastructure – electrical substations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes.

While many metal recycling plants and scrap yards have joined forces with law enforcement, ensuring only legitimate transactions occur, there is only so much that they can reasonably be expected to do. Unfortunately, many jurisdictions don’t enforce copper theft at all, leaving that area more susceptible to theft.

Managing the supply of copper is just one key to ensuring the safety of your copper. Schedule deliveries to prevent unnecessary volumes of on-site copper. Never schedule deliveries on Fridays or on the weekends. Take measures to conceal copper. Use lockable storage containers, buildings, or wire cages to secure large quantities of copper on site.

Stopping theft, and catching thieves. That is the goal. Wireless night vision video and motion sensors, with battery backups, are both great tools in the fight against copper theft. Marking the copper with an RFID – radio frequency identifier tag –  is yet another great tool. Many companies see positive results from tightened security.

According to the latest statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which tracks incidents of metal theft, 25,083 insurance claims were filed from 2009 to 2011, compared with 13,861 from 2006 to 2008. Nearly 96 percent of the claims in the recent period were for copper theft.

These stats, and others just like them, can be prevented by investing in high-quality anti-theft products such as pole locks, panel locks, Arkmann plastic nozzles, and grate locks. These products were created by an electrician with over twenty years of industry experience. Inspired by his client’s frustration with copper theft, End Metal Theft was born.

Filed Under: Metal Theft News Tagged With: anti-theft products, copper news, Copper Theft, Copper Theft Prevention, metal theft prevention, pole locks

Crack down on metal thieves in Michigan

March 19, 2014 by End Metal Theft

Crack down on metal thieves in Michigan, not the scrap yards

http://www.freep.com/ Thursday March 13, 2014

Scrap metal redemption is not a “black market industry run amok,” facilitating metal theft, as Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said in a guest column in the Free Press.

This political narrative is false and doesn’t foster a public understanding of metal theft.

 

Filed Under: Metal Theft News Tagged With: metal theft news, metal theft prevention, scrap metal theft, the polelock

Copper Theft on Construction Site

March 19, 2014 by End Metal Theft

Lacey police seek info in construction site thefts | Crime

http://www.theolympian.comTuesday, March 18, 2014 10:19:00 PM

Lacey police are seeking those responsible for a theft of copper wire and industrial heaters from a construction site on Jayden Lane NE. The crime was reported to Lacey police in the Campus…

 

Filed Under: Metal Theft News Tagged With: copper theft news, copper wire theft, metal theft

Coachella Valley Businesses Netted in Metal Theft Sting

February 20, 2014 by End Metal Theft

Coachella Valley businesses netted in metal theft sting

http://www.mydesert.com/ Feb. 6, 2014

Three Coachella Valley businesses targeted in a metal theft compliance sting operation will face charges of purchasing prohibited metals in violation of state laws, Riverside County sheriff’s officials said Thursday….

 

Filed Under: Metal Theft News Tagged With: end metal theft, metal theft, metal theft prevention

ISRI Releases Compliance Guide for State Metal Theft Statutes

February 20, 2014 by End Metal Theft

ISRI releases compliance guide for state metals theft statutes

http://www.recyclingtoday.com/ FEBRUARY 10, 2014

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, D.C., has released its first “State Metals Theft Statutes” publication, an online compilation of all state laws related to metals theft designed to help scrap recyclers with their compliance obligations under state law.

Read more…

Filed Under: Metal Theft News Tagged With: ISRI Metal Theft Statutes, metal theft prevention

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Metal Theft News

  • Copper Thieves At it Again
  • Preventing Metal Theft at Home
  • The Skinny on Copper Theft
  • Copper Facts
  • The Importance of Copper Theft Prevention

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