A new twist on stealing metal for scrap...

[PegLeg45]

You name it, and the goblins are stealing it around here: copper tubing from AC units, plumbing from new construction sites, copper wire from irrigation pivots, ground wires fron city power poles, manhole and storm drain covers. heck, in one town they even backed a truck up to a new house and pulled all the wiring out of the walls, through the sheet rock, at one time.
One poor guy has been hit three times in one month.
There was one old guy, though, he caught four teens trying to haul off a load of scrap steel from his barn. His wife called the sheriff while he shot out the tires and held the boys at gunpoint.
It's gonna get worse.

Hell, around here, they're stealing signs.

[Big Frank]

In $hit, MI, I mean Flint, MI, they stole 400 manhole covers and storm drain grates. Its not safe to drive around, let alone ride a bike or skateboard. The thieves get $20 apiece and it costs $200 to replace each one.

[alfack]

I'm surprised that they are even able to sell the metal anywhere. You would think the recycling centers would try to cooperate with the cops and immediately report suspicious looking items brought in by skeezers, like manhole covers or miles of copper wire.

Like pawn shops are supposed to reference firearm serial numbers against the stolen gun database, before buying or selling them.

Looks like they are going to have to start micro stamping every piece of metal. Its a shame that there are so many desparate losers out there.

[PegLeg45]

They are already keeping track of everyone who sells scrap at all the area scrap yards. You have to show ID and they put it in a log book for the cops. The thieves just go out of the area, though.

[twyacht]

Here in NC, Copper used in roofing; valley's, returns, different gable's, is often taken from new developments, wiring, and commercial construction is a huge target to the point that some have incorprated security at night.

In the marine industry, bronze has been an increasing target, as well as the copper used in older vessels in the boat yards.

The desperate times scenario for some, push them to rip off what they can. Personally, I hate a (expletive) thief.

This "plumber" sounds creative, but should be easy to find.

What about the brass?

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

Here in NC, Copper used in roofing; valley's, returns, different gable's, is often taken from new developments, wiring, and commercial construction is a huge target to the point that some have incorprated security at night.

In the marine industry, bronze has been an increasing target, as well as the copper used in older vessels in the boat yards.

The desperate times scenario for some, push them to rip off what they can. Personally, I hate a (expletive) thief.

This "plumber" sounds creative, but should be easy to find.

What about the brass?

Me too. I can't stand a thief. Lowest form of human on the planet. Think about it, even a rapist or murderer is still a thief. They are taking something that is not theirs.
Through venting now.....

[blackwolfe]

One of my coworkers moved up in the world a couple years ago and bought a bigger house.  He decided to keep his old one and become a landlord.  A couple months ago he had a tenate skip out owing rent.  Well my coworker got nailed twice, not only did the tenate skip on the rent he cut out and stole any exposed wiring and the aluminum screen doors.
In another incident there was a power outage downtown late one night/early morning.  The power crew found a vault with the man hole cover removed and a burnt body with a bolt cutter in the vault.

[TAB]

up date... he hit two more places today between 11 and 2



I have done many homes that have had the metals taken from them... twice I have handed a bill that was just under 6 figures( 93k and 98k) to fix damages done by these guys.  Both times they stole the copper from the basement( un finished), with out turning the water off.  One of these days they are going to do that too a home built around the turn of the century and its going to cuase big time foundation probs.

[djstarrider]

I'm surprised that they are even able to sell the metal anywhere. You would think the recycling centers would try to cooperate with the cops and immediately report suspicious looking items brought in by skeezers, like manhole covers or miles of copper wire.

Like pawn shops are supposed to reference firearm serial numbers against the stolen gun database, before buying or selling them.

Looks like they are going to have to start micro stamping every piece of metal. Its a shame that there are so many desparate losers out there.

Oh I would have such a hard time selling my collection of 500 manhole covers if they did, LOL!  Like we all have a great collection of manhole covers we have been saving for hard times or something.  Sheesh!

[TAB]

Oh I would have such a hard time selling my collection of 500 manhole covers if they did, LOL!  Like we all have a great collection of manhole covers we have been saving for hard times or something.  Sheesh!

the only hard part would be hualing that ~ 75-100k lbs of iorn around.

Whats funny is all the scrap yards( around here anyways) have big signs... saying blah, blah,blah... felony... blah blah blah and have even gone as far giving you a pay check in 1099 form.  Still every time I go, I see something, that came from some municipality or utilty company.  They have gone so far as in my county passing laws that you must provide proof that you own those said materails... I gave them a biz card, and never been asked since.