CRIME ALERT:
Theft of Copper Wire
To date this year in Virginia Beach alone, there have been over 30 cases of stolen copper, primarily from residential and commercial construction sites. Copper materials stolen include copper guttering, copper piping, copper condensers and coils in air conditioning units, and whole spools of copper wire. After completing the thefts, criminals are then selling the valuable stolen copper at various salvage yards. In many of the cases, it is most likely that an employee was responsible, as only someone familiar with where the copper was stored could have committed the crime. Theft of copper wire is a rapidly growing national problem, and is certainly not limited to the Hampton Roads area alone.
There are several steps construction companies and contractors can take, however, to greatly reduce the theft of copper, including:
Ø Have visible, on-site security (this is probably the best form of theft deterrence).
Ø Store copper off-site, if possible, in an adequately secured facility. Otherwise, copper should be stored in highly secure containers that cannot be broken into.
Ø Limit knowledge of where the copper is stored to only those people that are absolutely necessary.
Ø Have updated “PD30” information on file with local Police Communications/Dispatchers. If police come into contact with workers on site after hours, their information (and story) can be verified with the foreman or other person listed on file for the contracting company.
Ø Increase lighting around the site – burglars do not want to be seen and lighting allows police and witnesses to observe suspicious activity after dark.
Ø Work with local law enforcement agencies - report larcenies immediately and support open communications. This will assist law enforcement in determining rates and patterns of thefts and tailor police responses accordingly.
Ø Call (and urge employees to call) 1-888-LOCK-U-UP to anonymously report information on burglaries or other crimes that are occurring at the site.
Please Contact the Virginia Beach Police Crime Prevention Unit at
385-1006 for further information.
05/01/07 lnk