Copper theft can cause property damage, water damage, and even fire hazards. Construction sites, abandoned buildings, and commercial air and heating units have been targets for thieves who sell the copper for cash. Today Moncton's Fire Marshal says about 40 abandoned homes have been stripped of copper wiring and piping @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/K3E0GRuQj5. A man was photographed damaging the air conditioning units at Restoration Church and stealing copper from the broken units. Turning to criminal activity and even stealing and lying from loved ones are common signs of drug abuse. Open-source reporting from February 2007 indicates that the global copper supply tightened due to a landslide at the Freeport-McMoran Copper and Cold mine in Grasberg, Indonesia in October 2003 and a workers strike at the El Abra copper mine in Clama, Chile in November 2004. Low 66F. Shelley Steeves has more Sep 28, 2017. These rings or gangs hit several houses per day, yielding more than $20,000 in profits per month. The sorted copper is then melted down and cast into new products. 2 charged after police catch them stealing copper from abandoned home As copper is a non-renewable resource, mining and extracting it from mines are labor-intensive and costly processes. AFA Protective Systems prides itself in being a preferred distributor of Notifier fire alarm systems and equipment. Updated July 26, 2019 Defend your rights. There was a problem saving your notification. Cedar . Due to its high conductivity, ductility, and corrosion resistance, copper is a valuable commodity that thieves can easily sell and profit from. In the Kansas City death, police said the traffic signals were working, the woman was crossing at a red traffic light and the driver had a green signal. When copper is recycled, it is usually processed using a thermal or mechanical method. This intelligence assessment was prepared by the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI. Protecting Vacant Property - The Silver Lining Copper Theft: Who Is Stealing Your Copper Wire, and What Can You Do to I would say easily probably 30 to 40 of our vacant properties have been damaged on the inside within the last year, LeBlanc said. The theft of copper not only poses a financial burden on individuals and businesses but also poses severe implications on critical services and public safety. Get a weekly list of events happening in North Central Pa.! Additionally, the theft of copper from critical infrastructure, such as power plants and communication lines, is also considered a federal offense. How to stop thieves from breaking into a vacant house in the - Quora Perpetrators had 200 pounds of stolen copper in their van, road maps, and tools. Initial investigation revealed the two subjects as 36-year-old Roger Reeves of Ward and 33- year-old Michael Curtis. Thieves can sell it to metal scrap dealers, recycling centers, or pawnshops. We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today. This leaves state workers exposed to a risk of electrocution when making repairs or doing maintenance. If someone you care about has displayed signs of addiction, do not wait any longer to get help. The purified copper is then cast into ingots, sheets, or other forms, which can be used in various applications, such as electrical wiring, pipes, and other products. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for copper, particularly in developing countries such as China and India, which has led to the rising prices of copper. Yes, people still steal copper pipes. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions to safeguard your property proactively, including installing security systems, locking gates and doors, and following local safety guidelines. Some have hiked penalties for stealing metal. Handling and storage: Copper is a heavy metal and can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Another reason why people steal copper from houses is due to the lack of security measures in place. The streetlights had gone out there after thieves stole their copper wiring. Copper's versatility makes it a hot commodityso much so that people break into abandoned houses and loot the New York City subway to steal copper pipes. Make sure there is . In spite of all the laws enacted to prevent it, it comes down to humans doing what they do, said the insurance fraud associations Scafidi. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. These events contributed to copper production shortfalls and led to an increase in recycling, which in turn created a market for copper.6. In some cases, they may even prevent theft by marking copper with a unique identifier, like a serial number, making it easy to identify and tracking down the culprits. The high cost of scrap copper can be attributed to a combination of factors such as its valuable and versatile applications, limited supply, and global supply and demand dynamics. Law enforcement agencies have also stepped up their efforts to investigate and prosecute copper theft cases. RCMP Cpl. Manage Settings "Vandals had broken into our transmitter and it appears they were after copper wire," he said. |, - Comparing Sufentanil vs. Fentanyl and Their Dangers. Copper is a valuable metal with various industrial and household uses. LeBlanc says thieves aregoing as far as snapping off toilets and sinks, while completely vandalizing the properties. Copper belongs to a category of non-ferrous metals and is widely utilized in various applications. However, there are limited resources available to enforce these laws, and a very small percentage of perpetrators are arrested and convicted. Contractors and construction sites can also take precautions such as securing equipment, marking materials, and scheduling work during daylight hours. The New Underground Currency, StarTribune.com, 12 April 2008, available at www.msnbc.msn.com.5 The Plain Dealer, Copper Theft Ring Worked From Foreclosure Lists, Cleveland Heights Police Say, 28 March 2008, available at www.cleveland.com.6 According to an extensive study sponsored by the Chief Security Officer web site (www.csoonline.org) Scott Berinato, Copper Theft: The Metal Theft Epidemic,1 February 2007, http://www.csoonline.com/read/020107/fea_metal.html.7 Xinhau News Agency. Copper thieves raiding area's vacant homes - Lowell Sun Scrap copper is expensive for several reasons. And since pressure switches connect to home security systems, such a shift sounds the alarm and alerts the authorities. North Providence police warn real estate agents about copper pipe For instance, electroplating silver, gold, or nickel onto copper can enhance its aesthetic appeal, improve electrical conductivity, and make it resistant to tarnish or corrosion from exposure to air or moisture. Its about 5 miles worth of interstate, and much of the entire corridor is out, Perry said. In some cases, people use specialized equipment such as saws and bolt cutters to remove copper pipes from walls, floors, and ceilings. Copper is a highly versatile and durable metal that is widely used in electrical wiring, building construction, plumbing, and many other applications. Why Do Drug Addicts Steal Copper? | Banyan Stuart Rehab The demand and high resale value of copper make it an attractive target for thieves. I'm often imitated but can't be duplicated, and that's fact ! Abandoned - Copper Thief House 1: Directed by Jaden Petrucci. Moreover, some people steal metals to support their drug habits. However, with proper regulation, they can better maximize their profit by avoiding purchasing stolen metals, consequent fines, and confiscation of stolen products. The Department of Transportation had fixed those lights in 2014 and 2015 for about $300,000, said spokeswoman Brenda Perry, but thieves struck again. Current economic conditions, such as the rising cost of gasoline, food, and consumer goods, the declining housing market, the ease through which copper is exchanged for cash, and the lack of a significant deterrent effect, make it likely that copper thefts will remain a lucrative financial resource for criminals. Unfortunately, people struggling with addiction may resort to theft to feed their habit. Thieves in Flint are stealing copper pipes, aluminum sidings, indoor fixtures, and appliances from vacant houses. Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved | Southern Ohio Online News, Athens County, Ohio Glouster Man Found in Abandoned House Stealing Copper, Ross County, Ohio Head-on Crash on U.S.50 Kills 65 Year-old Hillsboro Man, Ross County, Ohio Adult and Juvenile Seriously Injured in Three Vehicle Crash on SR180, UPDATE: Fairfield County, Ohio 47 Year-old Killed in Cedar Hill Rd. Mark copper: Chemical markers or microdots can be used to identify copper and track it back to its origin. The shredded copper is then sorted using different methods, such as magnetic separation, air classification, and flotation, based on its quality and purity. What was the first R-rated movie ever made? With copper wire used in most building wiring, plus a range of electrical systems like air conditioners, thieves are often able to access the wire from outside, without even breaking and entering. Intelligence Assessment (Unclassified) Prepared by the FBI Criminal Intelligence Section September 15, 2008. @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/8QPDeHRgl3, SSteeves Global (@SSteevesG) September 28, 2017. 2 The Orlando Sentinel, Theft Causes Power Outage, 21 March 2008, available at www.orlandosentinel.com.3 Murphree, Julie. If exposed to high heat, copper can release fumes that can cause health hazards. . Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. Organized groups of drug addicts, gang members, and metal thieves are conducting large scale thefts from electric utilities, warehouses, foreclosed and vacant properties, and oil well sites for tens of thousands of dollars in illicit proceeds per month. One of the main issues with copper theft is that it can cause significant damage and disruptions to the affected parties. During the course of the investigation deputies observed a book bag within the basement that contained freshly cut electrical wire and copper tubing. Its kind of like throwing your money in the trash can.. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Industry officials have taken some countermeasures to address the copper theft problem. Criminal Groups Involved in Copper Thefts. Three additional perpetrators were found to be using the US Department of Housing and Urban Developments list of mortgage and bank foreclosures to target residences in Cleveland, South Euclid, Cleveland Heights, and other cities in Ohio. Deputy Hillyer and Deputy Pomento arrived on scene and both units observed some type of noise within the basement of the residence. monastery pleads guilty to voyeurism. Determining who is stealing your copper wire can be almost impossible. As a highly-conductive and durable material, copper is used for a wide range of purposes, including wiring, plumbing, and electronic components, among others. State Agencies Often Resist Pedestrian Safety Fixes on Urban, States Consider Ending Right on Red to Address Rising, Racial Justice, Pedestrian Safety Fuel Jaywalking Debate. Copper theft has become a significant problem worldwide, affecting not only individuals and businesses but also public infrastructure such as power grids, telecommunication systems, and transportation networks. Bejing to Spend More on Infrastructure for Olympics, CHINA.ORG.CN, 9, October, 2006, available at www.china.org.cn.8 NYMEX Daily Spot Settlement Price, http://www.nymex.com (accessed on 9 March 2008).9 US Attorney Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Meetings with industry and law enforcement 25 April 2008 and 29 July 2008; LexisNexis; (U) Hassan, Anita. Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? In 2011, they reached a peak of $4.50/poundan all-time historic high. Once its obtained, the individual may go to scrap yards to sell their copper. It is an essential material used in the production of electronics, construction materials, plumbing components, and electrical cables.