Community Corner

Common Sense can Foil Copper Thieves

Marking property, moving dumpsters away from buildings can stop copper thieves from robbing businesses and home, the St. Louis BBB says.

Business and home owners can take a few simple steps to prevent copper thieves.

Throughout the last few years, copper theft has become a serious problem the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said in a news relese.

During a March event, St. Louis area law enforcement estimated that about $4.6 million of copper had been removed from area homes and businesses based on reports of 3,485 burglaries and thefts since 2010.

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Authorities now require scrap dealers to record the names and addresses of people selling scrap, the BBB said in the statement. Sellers must mail copper valued at $500 or greater to the recipient.

Throughout the summer, air conditioning units were popular targets due to their high amounts of copper. Copper gutters, downspouts and water pipes were also stolen.

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“Soaring commodity prices have made stealing and selling scrap profitable,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB president and CEO.

Corey said no one can stop a determined thief but business owners and homeowners can make a theft more difficult.

  • Keep valuable items inside. Larger targets, such as air-conditioning units, should be kept in a fenced and locked area.
  • Store dumpsters and ladders away from building walls. Thieves need to reach rooftop air-conditioning units. The area around a ground-level air-conditioning unit should be clear of shrubs so it and people working on the unit can be seen easily.
  • Install motion-sensing lighting around outdoor air conditioning units. Business owners should have a security guard monitor the grounds and video cameras for thieves.
  • Become friends with neighbors and ask them to watch each others homes and businesses. Ask the neighbors about anyone working on an air conditioner or roof. Then call the police.
  • Mark your property. Using bright paint or etching an identification number into your possessions makes it difficult to sell stolen items to legitimate buyers.

The BBB has more tips at www.bbb.org or at 314-645-3300.


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