Scrap Metal Theft On the Rise

**LAGC** · 02-13-2012, 04:21 PM

Think Metal Theft Can’t Happen To You?

One of the fastest growing crimes in the United States is metal theft. Copper, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel and scrap iron have become the desired target of thieves looking to make a quick buck. An increase in demand for these metals from Asian markets such as China and India has created a thriving international scrap trade, resulting in much higher prices.

Of particular concern is copper, now selling for approximately $4,400 a ton, up 50% since the beginning of 2009. Copper theft often includes gutters, flashings, downspouts, water lines and electrical wiring that can be quickly stripped from vacant buildings, industrial facilities, commercial buildings and construction sites. Air conditioning units are particularly attractive, and are often tampered with or stolen for their copper coils and pipes that connect to HVAC systems. The metal is then sold to recycling companies and scrap yards for a huge profit.

While the economy struggles, metal theft is expected to increase as people become desperate for any kind of income.

“Metal theft is a real problem that tends to be underestimated. No one thinks it will happen to them,” says Nationwide Agent Ron Keats, president of The Keats Agency of Long Island, N.Y. “Vacant buildings and homes under construction are huge targets for thieves. The contractor locks the door, walks away and thinks it’s safe. But it’s not.”

http://www.nationwide.com/metal-theft-prevention.jsp

Some places have already seen street traffic signs and even manhole covers disappearing.

An entire railroad bridge went missing just a few months ago in rural Pennsylvania: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvj-frRr86M

I'm not sure what can be done except to try to license sellers and put in waiting periods before sellers get paid, so that if stolen items are claimed, they can track down the thieves.

Either that, or people and businesses are going to need chain-link fences around their entire properties before long...

**Helen Keller** · 02-13-2012, 04:24 PM

You give more info scraping metal around here than you do buying a gun.

**RogerLee** · 02-13-2012, 04:42 PM

Here in Northern Nevada, there are a lot of theft too but all the junk yards in my area that take metal looks at the scrap when they weigh it and when they pay ya, they take a copy of your driver licence and a copy of the check.
The scrap steel price dropped to 165 a ton and will drop some more shortly.