Remain Vigilant Against Copper Theft

Oct 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By James F. Smith II

Utility and telecommunications companies, government agencies, builders and consumers have all been victims of increasing incidents of metal theft. Beginning in early 2006, the cost of scrap metals such as copper increased dramatically to $4 per pound, up more than 100 percent from the price two years ago.

This surge in the value of metal has made items containing scrap metals, such as telephone cable and electric wire, very desirable among thieves.

Copper theft is costly to everyone — including consumers relying on communication service providers such as AT&T for day-to-day services that keep them connected. Outages caused by copper theft can prevent communication with critical public health and emergency services and threaten national security. In 2006, AT&T reported 1,066 copper cable thefts with more than one-third disrupting service for its customers. The cost to AT&T alone: $2.2 million just last year.

To raise awareness of this growing trend, AT&T has been working hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies and scrap metal dealers to identify suspects. Additionally, the company continues to offer monetary rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.

While AT&T will continue its efforts to address this issue, it is essential that law enforcement, businesses and the community work together to stop this dangerous and disruptive crime. Corporate CSOs and security directors can do their part by reminding staff and employees to remain vigilant, encouraging them to:

• Report any suspicious activity, theft or other crimes.

• Safely get license plate information or other descriptive information about the thieves.

• Report anyone burning telephone cable or electrical wires.

Officials have made 376 arrests nationwide in conjunction with these crimes against AT&T since January 2006, but not all offending parties were caught. With greater public awareness and vigilance, communities can bring metal thieves to justice and help curb the alarming rate at which these thefts are occurring.

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Jim Smith, CPP is executive director of asset protection for AT&T and a member of the Security Executive Council. He is responsible for investigative services for AT&T's southwest region and handles internal and external criminal and ethical investigations. Smith is a member of the ASIS Economic Crime Council and a Certified Fraud Examiner. For information about the Security Executive Council, visit www.csoexecutivecouncil.com/?sourceCode=access.

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