Copper Theft Draws the Attention of Industry, Lawmakers

Mar 11, 2008 4:39 PM

           

Criminals have taken notice that growing demand in global markets has led to a worldwide increase in copper prices. As the value of the metal soars, many businesses are finding themselves victims of copper theft. It can be found in many everyday products including electronics and computers, but the most commonly exploited form is found in pipes and wiring. Thieves are stealing this valuable metal from job sites, homes, storage facilities and even directly from utility and light poles. The stolen property is then sold to scrap metal yards for financial gain. It is estimated that recycled copper retrieves approximately $2.75 per pound.

According to the Security Industry Association (SIA), the growing problem of copper theft impacts a broad cross-section of industries and the general public. As instances of copper theft rise, industry is forced to pass increased expenses on to consumers in the form of higher construction and utility costs.

Though many states and local municipalities have laws in place to deter copper theft, some stakeholders believe more stringent policies are needed to crack down on this epidemic. In fact, an increasing number of state legislatures and local policy makers have made an effort to deal with the problem by introducing legislation to harden the penalties that copper thieves receive and by regulating the scrap metal industry.

In one noteworthy example, California State Senator Ron Calderon introduced SB651, which would require scrap metal facilities to photograph and fingerprint individuals attempting to sell copper. The bill would also require payments made by scrap yards to be made by check rather than cash. California scrap metal yards are already required, by law, to check identification and record the names of sellers. In December 2007, Missouri State Senator Rob Mayer hosted a copper theft forum to educate citizens on the potential risk of copper theft.

SIA is currently monitoring pending state legislative proposals addressing copper theft to determine the specific impact of this rising problem on security companies and their customers. The issue will also be a discussion item during SIA's next State & Local Policy Working Group meeting.

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