What happens to your copper wire after it's stolen?

Copper has become increasingly expensive

By Jessica Christensen

Did you know that there are reports of metal theft from South Africa to Canada, and from the United Kingdom to cities across the United States?  This is true.  In fact, a recent news story reported that a substantial amount of wiring was stolen from the set for Anchorman 2 in Atlanta, Georgia.  But this is just one of many anecdotes – you could find many more. 

Individuals or companies are often robbed in the middle of the night, on a holiday, following a major storm, or during a power outage – anytime the security seems to be a bit lax.  The first thing many notice is an open electrical box.  But unfortunately the process of removing the wiring includes cutting holes to get it, causing additional (expensive) structural damage. 

Over the past decade officials from law enforcement and local governments, as well as concerned citizens, have noticed a considerable jump in copper wire theft.  Do any of my dear readers have any guesses as to why that is?  Well, there are several theories I’m happy to walk you through. 

Explaining the rise in stolen copper wire

First, metal prices have risen dramatically around the world; it’s safe to say that its value is six times what it was ten years ago.  Some say this is because Asian countries are quickly developing and creating a demand for copper.  This industrialization, while admirable, is simultaneously creating a black market which affects the whole world.  Therefore, thieves steal wiring because of the value of the raw metal. 

Additionally, police units theorize that the money acquired from stealing copper wire often funds addictions like drugs, gambling, and alcohol.  Scrap metal allows addicts to get the money they need quietly and with minimal effort – it’s often seen as “easy money.” 

Finally, as we all know the unemployment levels have been much higher than any of us are comfortable with.  Hence traditional, legal methods of earning an income are harder to come by so some hard-pressed individuals turn to criminal activities. 

The thieves

So while electricians are replacing the wiring at your place, the thieves are likely looking to bring in a paycheck for their mischievous work and your wiring is on its way to China.  Believe it or not, thousands of feet of stolen wire can value at thousands of dollars.  Sadly, while your bills to repair and replace the damage are piling up, the cash in the thieves’ wallets is also piling up. 

It has been suggested that the culprits often steal from their employers.  This makes sense since stealing wire would require at least a basic knowledge of the premises.   So while you’re recovering from the break in, spools and rolls of your copper wire could be sitting in one of your employee’s garages. 

However, when identified and caught thieves can be charged with multiple felony charges including burglary, theft, breaking and entering, destruction of property, criminal mischief, and even conduct endangering persons. 

Call for legislation

It’s not just copper wiring that’s being stolen; aluminum, brass, and bronze are also being swiped and sold as scrap metal.  Even larger items, including bells, statues, and manhole covers, as well as other small items, including piping, bolts, and cables, are being taken for their extrinsic value. 

The victims of these crimes comprise warehouses, airports, train stations and tracks, construction sites, electrical companies, and telephone companies.  Naturally, service is often disrupted for these companies. 

Many are calling on the law for legislative assistance in fighting these crimes.  They’d like to penalize the markets selling stolen copper wire – make it a crime to buy it.  Until then, companies are encouraged to train their employees on how to identify stolen metal, require ID and license plate numbers of the metal seller, and maintain thorough records of purchases. 

About the author: If you’re already acquainted with  Jessica Christensen or any number of her pieces, then you know that she is a prolific writer covering a wide range of topics including several relevant to the one you just finished reading.  She also addresses how to find the best electrician, how to become an electrician, and when to call the electrician.  If you’re impatient to know what she has to say about finding an electrician, we’ll save you some time and direct you to the Better Business Bureau where you can find reputable electrician’s websites, such as jpelectric.com.