What'll they steal next?

[resqgeek]

Apparently the soaring prices for scrap metals has led to an increase in thefts of certain, ummm, unusual items from homes, construction sites and businesses. It seems that there are some ethically challenged recyclers out there, willing to steal copper, aluminum, steel/iron or platinum to sell as scrap. The Washington Post reports that thieves stole the copper downspouts off of about 15 homes in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Washington, DC. Last summer, the aluminum bleacher seats were stolen from Fort Greble Field, home to a DC school baseball team. There have even been reports of thieves trying to steal live electrical wiring out of homes for the copper and cutting catalytic converters out from under cars for the platinum in them. It appears that these scrap metal thieves find these materials easier to sell than the more traditional valuables, which are more easily traceable and less easily converted to cash.

So, what will they be stealing next?

From a Washington Post article (site registration might be required to read the article)

Comments

[elhamisabel.livejournal.com]

Why are these metals so pricey atthe moment?

I agree, all this should not happen.

[resqgeek]

According to the article, the increased prices for these metals is driven by "a global demand in Asian markets". Apparently the current economic booms in China and India has significantly increased the demand for these metals, driving up the global prices and making the scrap market more lucrative.

[elhamisabel.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see.

[loopy1.livejournal.com]

I'll tell you what they'll stoop to next - the brass plaques from a crematorium. See this story local to me: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6914580.stm

Absolutely disgusting.

[texaswren.livejournal.com]

We've been having trouble around here for a year or so I think. At first they targeted churches-maybe because no one is there very much. Some churches had the copper stolen from their a/c units multiple times and have built locked cages around them.

Construction sites are hurting too. And you know what puzzles me? Getting that stuff and hauling it is hard work. Really hard work. A trailer load of that stuff is heavy--requires a truck and trailer to make any real money and, around here at least, is easily traceable. Metal dealers are requiring driver's license and writing down the truck license plates. It seems like a hard way to make a living!

[resqgeek]

According to the article, most states don't require any scrap dealers to record any identification information, so there are apparently lots of scrap dealers who are willing to look the other way and pay in cash, making the scrap all but untraceable. With prices so high, it appears to be worth the physical work (and even physical danger, in the case of pulling live electrical wiring) to steal these materials...

[texaswren.livejournal.com]

I don't know that we have a law requiring it, but I know they are leaning on the metal dealers pretty heavy to take the info. My understanding is that they are getting good cooperation.

We had a guy die recently doing that.

[thebiblioholic.livejournal.com]

The lights on the Henry Hudson Parkway here are often out. Turns out thieves keep stealing the copper wires. I think one even got electrocuted a few years ago.