Metal Thefts Report

[Mike Lamb]

From: http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news ... 033-1.html

Since August 2009 thefts steadily increased across the nation as a result of rising prices for base metals, especially copper.

The top five Core Based Statistical Areas generating the most metal theft claims:

Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL (963)

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ (921)

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA (823)

Dallas-Ft. Worth-Arlington, TX (674)

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI (587).

The top five states generating the most metal theft claims are:

- Ohio (2,398)

- Texas (2,023)

- Georgia (1,481)

- California (1,348)

- Illinois (1,284)

[emalernee]

I have been in several of those Ohio houses~~~after the fact.

[Les]

We have seen several dozen houses with the copper pipe and/or wire gone. The most common question we are asked by the insurance company or bank is "How much copper was there and what was it worth?" Actually had one ask why they stole it!

[kurt]

I did a vacant 12 unit condo building in foreclosure......the whole place was stripped.

[Scottpat]

TN passed a law this past year that to sell any scrap metal the seller must produce a valid government issued photo ID. Fill out a form as to the source of the metal and payment can only be made by a check made payable to the person who's name is on the ID. The news reported that this law has reduced metal theft by more than 50% in the state.

[gtblum]

They have similar requirements here.

Every time I see copper drain pipe, I tell my clients to replace it with plastic and use the money for a vacation.

[Erby]

Not much requirements here in Kentucky, or so I'm told. Never tried to sell scrap metal.

But, here's probably where the Ohio and Tennessee copper is going.

I've inspected several houses that have been stripped.

Churches are a big target around here also. Not so long ago, thieves ripped off the copper wiring for interstate highway lighting.

http://www.lex18.com/news/copper-thieve ... ay-lights/