Copper Theft
Protect your business and the elements supporting its operation

There are many factors that have contributed to the rise in the price of copper. The global market has experienced massive growth, with modernization efforts in the past few years causing the demand for copper overseas to skyrocket. Combine that with the weakened dollar and tightened belt of American consumers, and you can begin to see a clearer picture as to why copper has become such a hot commodity.

Copper thieves are especially dangerous because of the amount of damage they cause.

Many copper thefts are committed as a way to get quick cash, which often means the thieves will do whatever it takes to get even the tiniest scraps of copper. A vast majority of the destruction caused by copper thieves results not from the amount of copper they steal, but the damage they cause stealing it. Thieves are dismantling entire air conditioning units to steal $ 50 worth of copper coils, which can amount to thousands of dollars worth of damage. In some communities, thieves are even going so far as to steal the small copper bolts from fire hydrants rendering them unusable in case of an emergency.

So what can you do to prevent and protect your business against the rising crime of theft?
Here are some tips that can help you protect your inventory:

Arrange for just-in-time delivery of materials, components and equipment
Record the serial numbers of equipment and tools
Secure on-site trucks or trailers used for storage with locks and limit access to the keys
Arrange for local law enforcement to drive by job sites periodically
Store large quantities of materials in secured buildings, storage containers, or wire cages

Unfortunately, while copper thieves are on the rise, they are not the only threats to your job site. Another frequent source of loss is through opportunistic thieves and internal theft. As with any job site, some of the best ways to deter would-be thieves is through adequate lighting, frequent visits and if possible, security monitoring systems. Preventing internal theft can be done by guarding delivery schedules and holding employees accountable in the event of a loss.