Odd as it may seem, this behavior is especially common among addicts. 100% of your contribution to NorthcentralPa.com goes directly to helping us cover news and events in the region. The scrap value of copper is relatively high compared to other metals, and it can be sold quickly to scrap yards and recycling facilities. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-medrectangle-3-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Another reason why people steal copper from houses is due to the lack of security measures in place. Authorities are continuously implementing measures to combat metal theft, such as stricter laws and increased surveillance, in the hopes of eliminating this type of criminal activity. So they go to an old house and turn on the light switches but nothing turns on. ALSO READ: Dogs once believed to be 'black coyotes' are captured; We work hard to deliver timely, relevant news, for free. Shafer was transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. Law enforcement agencies also play an important role in preventing copper theft by increasing patrols and working with scrap metal yards to prevent the sale of stolen copper. This leaves state workers exposed to a risk of electrocution when making repairs or doing maintenance. AFA Protective Systems Receives Contract to Provide Fire Alarm System Maintenance & Repair Services to Federal Agencies, Ron Rothman Joins AFA PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. as Senior Vice-President. Some even take to drinking antifreeze as a replacement for alcohol. Deputy Hillyer and Deputy Pomento arrived on scene and both units observed some type of noise within the . However, it is essential to follow the safety precautions mentioned above to avoid any potential health or environmental hazards. It is commonly found in public places such as construction sites, electrical substations, and public buildings, making it an easy target for thieves who may pose as workers to acquire access to these sites. |, - Comparing Sufentanil vs. Fentanyl and Their Dangers. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-box-4','ezslot_1',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-box-4-0');Regardless of the reasons why people steal copper from houses, the consequences can be severe. Thieves have been stripping copper wire from abandoned houses, commercial buildings and construction sites for years. Copper pipes are also less prone to damage, compared to other piping materials, and can last for an extended period. Units announced their presence, and a male exited the basement door. 1. Thats the same amount it spent in 2016 and 2017 combined. Its crucial to discern that a broad range of metals and alloys are prone to theft, such as iron, copper, aluminum, brass, and bronze, among others. One can only imagine. Placing a bid on an abandoned property for sale . Tanya Greer, a spokesperson for the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure confirmed in an email that the copper was stolen, but would not comment on how much wire was taken, its value, whether or not it is causing any construction delays or if the loss was insured. In addition, the methods used to steal copper can endanger the lives of the thieves as well as anyone in the surrounding area. Posted on May 12, 2015December 9, 2021. Many homes have unprotected pipes and wiring, making it easy for thieves to break in and remove the copper. The current price of copper in U.S. dollars per pound is $3.44, while metals like stainless steel are around $0.23 per pound. According to open-source reporting, on 20 March 2008, nearly 4,000 residents in Polk County, Florida, were left without power after copper wire was stripped from an active transformer at a Tampa Electric Company (TECO) power facility. However, copper is among the most commonly stolen metals globally. Even if the building is completely empty of all contents, thieves may still strike to steal copper piping or other valuable building components. These include increasing security measures, such as alarms and cameras, enlisting the help of security personnel, improving inventory tracking, and utilizing tamper-proof materials to make removal of copper more challenging. 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. The complainant advised that two individuals with flashlights were inside an abandoned residence. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. FOXNews.com - Copper Thieves Die Trying - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News (http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Jul16/0,4670,CopperDeaths,00.html - broken link) Meanwhile, in Riverview, 1,100 meters of copper wire was ripped out and stolen along a section of street lights. These events contributed to copper production shortfalls and led to an increase in recycling, which in turn created a market for copper.6. For instance, thieves can steal copper wiring from homes, leaving residents without power and exposing them to safety hazards. Early detection can prevent further loss of copper. Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Authorities and stakeholders must work together to deter and prevent copper theft through proper security measures and stringent laws. According to open-source reporting, on 4 April 2008, five tornado warning sirens in the Jackson, Mississippi, area did not warn residents of an approaching tornado because copper thieves had stripped the sirens of copper wiring, thus rendering them inoperable. Metals like copper, steel, nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, and scrap iron have all become desired targets of thieves looking to make a quick dollar. Child dead after alleged impaired driver strikes 5 pedestrians on sidewalk in St. Thomas, Ont. As well, thieves have targeted dozens of abandoned homes in the city. These include the installment of physical and technological security measures, increased collaboration among the various industry sectors, and the development of law enforcement partnerships. As a result of the incident, Shafer will be charged with Breaking and Entering (F5), Theft (M1), and Criminal Damaging (M2). @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Another reason why people steal metals is for personal use. Copper Thieves Strike America's Roadways | HuffPost Latest News This abundance of copper is what makes it an enticing target for thieves. What's happening today? In northwest Indiana, the state Department of Transportation teamed up with the state police, which has stepped up patrols around highway lighting. 6. After it is used, copper can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. Copper thieves are threatening US critical infrastructure by targeting electrical sub-stations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes for lucrative profits. People go through the whole property by damaging the walls and the ceilings and they will take anything that is brass or copper., Yesterday we discovered that copper wire was stolen from the site of new bridge construction. Metal theft is a significant problem worldwide, representing a multi-billion-dollar problem annually. 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. CLEAR CREEK, West Virginia -- Three people who were trapped in an abandoned coal mine in West Virginia since Saturday have been found, according to the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health. Utility companies have also become increasingly proactive in response to copper theft by encouraging customers to report any suspicious activity and cooperating with law enforcement. As copper is a non-renewable resource, mining and extracting it from mines are labor-intensive and costly processes. For transportation officials, its more than just dollars. These rings or gangs hit several houses per day, yielding more than $20,000 in profits per month. The metal's skyrocketing scrap value is inspiring criminals to hit houses, making off with copper coils in air-conditioning units, copper wires, even the copper pipes used for plumbing, leaving some perplexed residents without running water. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Overall, the reasons for metal theft are complex and multifaceted. Or you can fill out the following form to learn more on how we can help your business. However, any building including power stations that use copper are subject to metal thieves. All Rights Reserved. By maintaining proper handling, storage, and disposal practices, we can minimize the risks associated with copper use and ensure a safe working environment. Its extensively utilized in many industries, and its value as a commodity has resulted in a significant increase in theft. Thieves are plumbing the inner depths of abandoned Greater Lowell homes, stripping valuable copper pipes and wires for scrap-metal resale to feed hungry drug habits, police say. Some individuals may need certain metals for their job or hobby and dont want to spend money to acquire them. Isabelle LeBlanc from the City of Moncton says there was also incident at the Hall Betts Sports Complex about a month ago. But they also have taken aim at public rights of way, creating a rash of headaches for public safety and transportation officials. Its kind of like throwing your money in the trash can.. Police said thieves have been stealing copper piping from abandoned homes or homes for sale. Determining who is stealing your copper wire can be almost impossible. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Similarly, electrical wires made of copper can be encased in PVC jackets or other insulation materials that can protect them from abrasion, heat, or moisture. Therefore, it is important to dispose of copper waste properly by recycling or repurposing it, or by following local waste management regulations. interstate highways, from abandoned houses and industrial sites, and several would-be thieves have been electrocuted or killed in the process of trying to steal copper wire. WARSAW Four people are facing criminal charges after they were caught stealing and selling copper wire from an abandoned Warsaw building. But why do drug addicts steal copper, and how do they get away with it? Water safety: Copper can react with water to create a toxic substance called copper sulfate, which is harmful to the environment and aquatic life. Perpetrators had 200 pounds of stolen copper in their van, road maps, and tools. We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today. The Importance of Bi-Directional Amplifier Systems for Seamless Communication, Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft with AFAs Live Video Monitoring, AFA Protective Systems Celebrates 150 Years of Excellence in Fire & Security. The demand for copper remains high due to its conductivity and durability, making it ideal for electrical wiring and plumbing installations. 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. I would say easily probably 30 to 40 of our vacant properties have been damaged on the inside within the last year, LeBlanc said. Updated July 26, 2019 Defend your rights. Copper thieves frequently target abandoned homes or new-builds that have not been completed, after which they sell the scrap metal. Old copper coins can be used as decorative tiles or wall artworks. According to a report from PSP Montoursville, the couple arrived at 1955 E. Third Street, the former King House Buffet, shortly before 6:30 a.m. Shelley Steeves has more Sep 28, 2017. Copper theft can cause property damage, water damage, and even fire hazards. The most common methods are coating, plating, or sealing the copper surface with a protective layer, such as paint, epoxy, lacquer, wax, or oil. The global demand for copper, combined with the economic and home foreclosure crisis, is creating numerous opportunities for copper-theft perpetrators to exploit copper-rich targets. Utility companies have security and risk management personnel who are important advocates for addressing scrap metal theft. What major life activity does ADHD limit. monastery pleads guilty to voyeurism. Sign up today! For them, its all profit. Copper thieves are receiving cash from recyclers who often fill orders for commercial scrap dealers. 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. Authorities often go to the places where the. (Courtesy of Toby Somerville) SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH . 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. 2 charged after police catch them stealing copper from abandoned home Thieves have been stripping copper wire from abandoned houses, commercial buildings and construction sites for years. He says Flint lost over 70,000 jobs due to the downsizing of the auto industry. When thieves steal copper, they can cause significant damage to buildings or equipment, resulting in costly repairs and, in some instances, loss of life. 2023 AFA Protective Systems, Inc. (A Pavion Company), Legal | Privacy Policy | Credentials & Licenses. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment Lepidopteran_Chimera Wing Additional comment actions. In March, police arrested two people on charges of stealing copper wire from a state highway in Gary. Due to these applications, the demand for copper has always been consistently high, and as a result, the prices have remained elevated. A 2007 report by the US Department of Energy estimated that metal theft cost US businesses approximately $1bn a year. Athens County, Ohio - Glouster Man Found in Abandoned House Stealing Copper

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