Aluminum and Copper Theft: Stealing for Scrap Metal

With Prices High, Thieves Have More Incentive Than Ever

J. Bartleby, Yahoo! Contributor Network
May 10, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

As of early May 2006, nonferrous scrap metal price lists are valuing copper between $2.40 and $3.00 per pound, depending on quality. If you're not familiar with the copper market, that's more than double most rates from 2003. Aluminum prices have also made steady gains. The demand for these metals around the world (especially in China) is driving prices to these new highs, but it's also driving many Americans to aluminum and copper theft.

All around the country, people are stealing for scrap metal: telephone wires, air conditioner coils, and old radiators are just some of the sought-after items. Petty criminals have also resorted to stealing aluminum gutters and copper downspouts from schools and churches. And some folks have even had the aluminum siding ripped right off their houses by thieves.

While stealing for scrap metal is nothing new, the high prices have made thieves bolder and more inventive than before, as they now have over twice the financial incentive for the same amount of risk. Some drive pickup trucks while accomplices perform quick yank-and-runs with gutters in the middle of the night. Others deliberately pose as construction workers and target abandoned or otherwise vacant homes, figuring that neighbors won't question why guys in hardhats are messing with radiators, gutters, or siding. But the thieves aren't just targeting residential sources of aluminum and copper; they're breaking into warehouses and other industrial settings too for bigger booty, if you will.

Local media across the country are reporting on all kinds of aluminum and copper theft. It's become a popular evening news item, and while it does get over-sensationalized for a nonviolent crime, all the recent attention to scrap metal theft is encouraging city councils and police officials to pressure scrap metal dealers to tighten their operations. At present, most cities have one or more scrap metal centers which accept aluminum and copper for cash with few questions asked. Thieves simply pull, drop off their load, get it weighed, and pull away with money - often without filling out any paperwork or showing identification. It can be as easy as selling a used CD to a second-hand record store.

While some scrap metal centers do proactively report suspicious activity and work with police or city officials to implement crime-reduction measures, others are reluctant to badger sellers about where the copper or aluminum came from. Because they're making money, even if it's due to aluminum and copper theft, they're willing to turn a blind eye to stolen scrap metal.

It doesn't look like the nonferrous metal market is going to experience any sharp drops in demand, so these high prices are expected to continue for at least the next few years. Even if the numbers merely level off, scrap metal dealers may be forced to change their business methods, as they are a vital link in the crime chain. Possible measures include: installing surveillance cameras to capture images of people with the scrap metal they are selling, requiring scrap metal dealers to hold copper and aluminum for a period of time before touching it, and eliminating cash payments altogether in favor of checks (which, although costlier, might deter criminals).

Affected homeowners and business owners must spend far more than the value of the scrap metal to replace their gutters, siding, downspouts, and other aluminum or copper items, so there is reason for concern, particularly in areas that already see higher crimes rates, unemployment, and drug use. While the issue is unfortunate, stealing for scrap metal is one example of a crime that may be deterred through community action and pressure on scrap metal dealers. If you are wondering whether aluminum and copper theft has spiked in your area, check with local police.

Published by J. Bartleby

I've been writing, in one form or another, for years. I'm a thirtysomething liberal in the Midwest. View profile

Copper and aluminum thieves target both homes and businesses.
Many scrap metal dealers are reluctant to change their operating methods.
Thieves are getting more creative and bold now that incentives are higher.

High-quality copper is starting to pull down nearly $3 a pound, and there is little sign of a drop in sight.

Aluminum and Copper Theft: Stealing for Scrap Metal

With Prices High, Thieves Have More Incentive Than Ever

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