Copper: A Hot Commodity for Thieves
Skyrocketing prices for metals, especially copper, have made what was once a minor nuisance into a major problem costing over $1 billion/year according to the US Dept of Energy. Pipes, wires, cables, gutters, flashing are being torn from walls and buildings. Roof-top air units are being stripped of their copper coils.
Thieves target copper in vacant buildings or difficult to secure areas,often without power or communication lines including:
Construction Sites - theft of copper plumbing, wiring, generators and materials.
Vacant Buildings - theft of copper plumbing, wiring, air conditioners.
Communications Towers - theft of copper busbars, wiring and cables.
Electrical Sub-stations - theft of copper grounding bars and cables.
Foreclosed Properties - theft of copper plumbing, wires, sprinkler systems, and cooling systems.
In addition, the collateral damage done ripping pipes and wires out of walls far exceeds the actual cost of the copper stolen.
In an effort to cut down on copper theft it is IMPORTANT for REALTORS® NOT to disclose any information in the property description about such property having copper plumbing. Any comments published in the property description are public accessible. This is particularly important on any vacant properties either for sale or lease.
Date Posted: 6/16/2008
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