Metal theft

Anything made of metal has value as scrap metal, and can be stolen:

• Manhole covers
• Copper wiring, or copper pipes from houses or other buildings
• Utility company electrical wiring (especially power cables) and transformers
• Aluminium or stainless steel beer kegs
• Bronze or brass statues, monuments, and commemorative plaques
• Catalytic converters from motor vehicles (they contain precious metals)
• Air conditioner units
• Rails from train tracks
• Metal crosses and other ornaments from cemeteries

A 2007 United States Department of Energy study reported that law enforcement believed many copper thefts from electric utilities in warmer urban locations like San Diego, California, and Tampa, Florida, were committed without the use of vehicles by vagrants.{{Cite web|date=April 2007|title=An Assessment of Copper Wire Thefts from Electric Utilities|url=https://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/copper042707.pdf|access-date=February 24, 2021|website=US Department of Energy|publisher=Infrastructure Security and Energy Restoration Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability U.S. Department of Energy}}

{{recentism|section|date=December 2011}}

{{see also|2000s commodities boom}}

File:Copper Price History USD.png

File:Day 148 - West Midlands Police - Tackling Metal Theft (7267919656).jpg

Scrap metal has drastically increased in price over recent years. In 2001, ferrous scrap sold for $77 a ton, increasing to $300 per ton by 2004. In 2008, it hit nearly $500 per ton.{{Clarify|reason=This information is outdated scrap prices have recently dropped|date=October 2016}}

Some elected officials and law enforcement officials have concluded that many metal thefts are by drug addicts stealing metal in order to fund their addictions.{{cite web|url=http://sd05.senate.ca.gov/news/2007-03-29-berryhill-and-galgiani-metal-theft-legislation-clears-first-hurdle|title=Berryhill And Galgiani Metal Theft Legislation Clears First Hurdle|date=March 29, 2007|location=SACRAMENTO}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Some officials believe that many of these drug-related metal thefts are caused by methamphetamine users;{{cite web|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/Updated%20Assessment-Copper-Final-101210%20c.pdf|title=An Updated Assessment of Copper Wire Thefts from Electric Utilities|publisher=US Department of energy|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123205047/http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/Updated%20Assessment-Copper-Final-101210%20c.pdf|archive-date=23 November 2016|url-status=live}} however, this varies by the location of the metal being stolen.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/31/us/31copper.html?ex=1343534400&en=d5fc191c8cd6656a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss|title=Unusual Culprits Cripple Farms in California|last=Steinhauer|first=Jennifer|date=31 July 2007|work=The New York Times|page=10|location=BUTTONWILLOW, Calif.|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018134004/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/31/us/31copper.html?ex=1343534400&en=d5fc191c8cd6656a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss|archive-date=18 October 2017|url-status=live}} Another explanation for the phenomenon is the unusually high price of non-ferrous metals coupled with elevated levels of unemployment. Regardless of the reason, the industrialization of developing nations helps to increase the demand for scrap metal.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, world market prices for metals like copper, aluminium, and platinum dropped steeply. Although there is anecdotal evidence that this price decrease has led to fewer metal thefts, strong empirical research on the exact nature of the relationship between commodity prices and metal thefts is still lacking. Some have argued that the "genie is out of the bottle" now and drops in commodity prices will not result in corresponding drops in thefts.{{cite news|title=Copper Theft: The Metal Theft Epidemic |newspaper=CSO Online |date=2007-02-01 |url=http://www.csoonline.com/special/slideshows/copper_theft/ |first=Scott |last=Berinato |accessdate=2014-01-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202132848/http://www.csoonline.com/special/slideshows/copper_theft/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014 }} In fact, it is possible that thefts may actually increase to compensate for the loss in value.{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}}

As of December 2014 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau the number of insurance claims for metal theft has been decreasing in the U.S{{Cite journal|last=Kudla|first=Joe|title=Metal Theft Claims and Questionable Claim Referrals from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014|url=http://www.raleighscrapmetalrecycling.com/news/theft-scrap-copper-nicb.html|journal=Data Analytics Forecast Report|access-date=2016-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630232000/http://www.raleighscrapmetalrecycling.com/news/theft-scrap-copper-nicb.html|archive-date=2016-06-30|url-status=dead}} possibly because of dropping scrap metal prices.{{Citation needed|date=October 2016}}

{{As of| 2014}} in the United States alone, metal theft costs the economy $1 billion annually, according to Department of Energy estimates.{{cite web|url=http://www.isri.org/docs/default-source/scrap-metals-theft/sheriff-magazine-feature-article-september-2014.pdf?sfvrsn=2|title=METALS THEFT: Is this billion dollar crime on YOUR radar?|date=October 2014|website=Sheriff Magazine|publisher=National Sheriffs association|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003200249/http://www.isri.org/docs/default-source/scrap-metals-theft/sheriff-magazine-feature-article-september-2014.pdf?sfvrsn=2|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=live}} As of 2008 It was estimated that South Africa lost approximately 5 billion Rand annually due to metal theft. As of 2008 metal theft was the fastest growing crime in the UK with the annual damage to industry estimated at £360m.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/25/china.commodities|title=The Big Meltdown|last=Edemariam|first=Aida|date=2008-06-25|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|accessdate=2008-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902104744/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/25/china.commodities|archive-date=2013-09-02|url-status=live}} Thieves often cause damage far in excess of the value they recover by selling stolen metal as scrap. For example, thieves who strip copper plumbing and electrical wiring from houses render the residences uninhabitable without expensive, time-consuming repairs.

Requiring scrap metal buyers to record the photo IDs of scrap metal sellers, and recording scrap metal transactions may reduce the rate of metal theft. Paying scrap metal sellers by check rather than cash may reduce the rate of metal theft, and leaves records that can be investigated by police. Scrap merchants may refuse to accept certain commonly-stolen items, such as manhole covers, street signs, air-conditioning units, and railroad track components, unless the seller can prove legitimate ownership. Restrictions on some items have also been codified into law. Utility companies who are often the targets of metal theft can electroplate coding on to copper wire, which can positively identify the wire as stolen even if the insulation is burned off.{{Cite book|url=http://assets.www.wenatcheeworld.com.s3.amazonaws.com/media/doc/2013/05/30/1f60c5a1ea-20121214-144905-ass-65517pdf.pdf|title=Theft of Scrap Metal|last=Kooi|first=Brandon R.|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services|date=April 2010|isbn=978-1-935676-12-6|access-date=2016-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002111131/http://assets.www.wenatcheeworld.com.s3.amazonaws.com/media/doc/2013/05/30/1f60c5a1ea-20121214-144905-ass-65517pdf.pdf|archive-date=2016-10-02|url-status=dead}}

In Australia in 2008, 8 tonnes of copper wiring, believed to be stolen from a variety of locations including rail tracks, power stations and scrap metal depots, was seized on its way to the Asian black market.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/police-bust-copper-theft-racket/2008/03/03/1204402346708.html|title=Police bust copper theft racket|newspaper=The Age|date=2008-03-03|location=Melbourne|first=Matthew|last=Burgess|access-date=2008-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705135900/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/police-bust-copper-theft-racket/2008/03/03/1204402346708.html|archive-date=2008-07-05|url-status=live}}

File:Rudolf Steiner Denkmal.jpg).]]

In November 2011 a unknown perpetrator attempted copper theft by hand sawing a live electric line in a Vienna subway tunnel. A fire arose; train traffic was stopped. The thief was likely injured in the process.{{cite web|url=http://www.krone.at/oesterreich/kupferdieb-legte-u4-lahm-taeter-entkam-verletzt-brand-ausgeloest-story-303656|title=Kupferdieb legte U4 lahm – Täter entkam verletzt|trans-title=Copper thief put U4 out – perpetrators escaped injured|date=27 November 2011|website=krone.at|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003201943/http://www.krone.at/oesterreich/kupferdieb-legte-u4-lahm-taeter-entkam-verletzt-brand-ausgeloest-story-303656|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In May 2013 the Westbahn near Amstetten had to be closed for safety reasons; grounding copper wires had been stolen; The copper stolen was worth €2,000, but total damages to the station cost upwards of €30,000.{{cite web|url=http://noe.orf.at/news/stories/2582601/|title=Kabeldiebe legen Westbahn lahm|trans-title=Cable thieves paralyze Westbahn|publisher=noe.orf.at|date=2 May 2013|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011180631/http://noe.orf.at/news/stories/2582601/|archive-date=11 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In July 2013 in Lower Austria {{convert|160|m|ft}} ({{convert|250|kg|lb|disp=comma|abbr=on}}) of copper wire worth less than €1,000 was stolen from a railway transformer station. The damage to the railways electronics cost €140,000.{{cite web|url=http://noe.orf.at/news/stories/2592175/|title=Kupferdiebe stehlen 250 Kilogramm Kabel|trans-title=Copper Thieves steal 250 kg Cable|publisher=noe.orf.at|date=8 July 2013|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011180646/http://noe.orf.at/news/stories/2592175/|archive-date=11 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In November 2015 a man burnt to death in Vienna in an empty building, one which had a 100 kV cable that went through the basement. The police found three people alive and assumed that they had been attempting to steal copper.{{cite news|url=http://diepresse.com/home/panorama/wien/4872819/Kupferdieb-von-Starkstrom-getotet|title=Kupferdieb von Starkstrom getötet|trans-title=Copper thief killed by power|work=DiePresse.com|date=23 November 2015|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005065455/http://diepresse.com/home/panorama/wien/4872819/Kupferdieb-von-Starkstrom-getotet|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In May 2016, police caught several people that had stolen several tons of copper wire from a substation and caused 400,000 € worth of damage in Lower Austria.{{cite web|url=http://noe.orf.at/news/stories/2774449|title=Kupferdiebe gefasst: 400.000 Euro Schaden|trans-title=Copper thieves focus: 400,000 EUR Damage|date=15 May 2016|publisher=noe.orf.at|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019011724/http://noe.orf.at/news/stories/2774449|archive-date=19 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In Quebec, during May 2006, thieves stole sections of copper roofing, gutters and wiring from four Quebec City churches, two being St. Charles de Limoilou and St. Francois d'Assise. The thieves were discovered in action on their third night, whereupon they fled. High copper prices are believed to be the reason for the thefts. Repairs were expected to cost more than $40,000.{{cite news|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060529/copper_quebec_churches_060529/20060529?hub=Canada|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629065344/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20060529/copper_quebec_churches_060529/|archive-date=2011-06-29|title=Brazen thieves swipe copper from Que. churches|url-status=dead|date=May 29, 2006}}

In October 2010, a {{convert|300|lb|adj=on}} bronze bell was stolen in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. Thieves removed the bell from a monument in Roseway Cemetery.{{cite news|url=http://www.novanewsnow.com/News/2010-10-07/article-1831382/Stolen-church-bell-recovered-in-Halifax/1|title=Stolen church bell recovered in Halifax|last=Woolvett|first=Amy|date=October 7, 2010|work=Nova News Now|accessdate=8 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907180313/http://www.novanewsnow.com/News/2010-10-07/article-1831382/Stolen-church-bell-recovered-in-Halifax/1|archive-date=7 September 2012}} The bell was part of the Roseway United Memorial Church, built in 1912, until it was demolished in 1993. It was recovered in a Halifax-area scrapyard October 6, 2010.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/church-bell-saved-from-scrapyard-1.945406|title=Church bell saved from scrapyard|date=October 7, 2010|work=CBC.ca|access-date=8 October 2010 |archive-date=2012-06-14 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614030322/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20070228a5.html}}

In September 2011, Peterborough, Ontario, experienced a four-hour power outage north of the city when thieves stole power transmission wires.{{cite news|url=http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2011/09/01/power-outage-north-of-city-caused-by-wire-theft|title=Power outage north of city caused by wire theft|last=Riva|first=Nicole|work=The Peterborough Examiner|access-date=2012-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110163035/http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2011/09/01/power-outage-north-of-city-caused-by-wire-theft|archive-date=2016-01-10|url-status=dead}}

327 bronze markers stolen from Theresienstadt concentration camp cemetery in mid-April 2008, with 700 more stolen the next week. A scrap metal dealer was arrested on April 18, 2008. He intended to melt them down for their copper.{{cite journal|last=Treble |first=Patricia |title=Meltdown: metal prices spur thieves |url=http://www.macleans.ca/world/global/article.jsp?content=20080423_6609_6609 |journal=Maclean's Magazine |date=April 5, 2008 |page=35 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519104259/http://www.macleans.ca/world/global/article.jsp?content=20080423_6609_6609 |archive-date=May 19, 2008 }}

A ten-tonne railway bridge and {{convert|200|m|ft|sp=us}} of railway trackage, from the town of Horní Slavkov{{cite news|last=Moye|first=David|title=Bridge Stolen In Czech Republic Results In Million-Dollar Gap|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/bridge-stolen-in-czech-republic-slavkov_n_1465806.html|accessdate=1 May 2012|newspaper=The Huffington Post|date=2012-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501210738/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/bridge-stolen-in-czech-republic-slavkov_n_1465806.html|archive-date=1 May 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Hájek|first=Adam|title=Zloději v Česku rozmontovali desetitunový most, všimli si Britové|url=http://zpravy.idnes.cz/zlodeji-v-cesku-ukradli-desetitunovy-most-vsimli-si-britove-p5z-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A120430_115723_zahranicni_aha|accessdate=11 June 2016|newspaper=iDNES.cz|date=2012-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617195602/http://zpravy.idnes.cz/zlodeji-v-cesku-ukradli-desetitunovy-most-vsimli-si-britove-p5z-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A120430_115723_zahranicni_aha|archive-date=17 June 2016|url-status=live}} in the Karlovy Vary Region was dismantled and removed by a gang of thieves who presented forged papers saying that the bridge had been condemned. The bridge was erected in 1901.{{cite news|title=10-tonne bridge stolen in Czech Republic|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_10-tonne-bridge-stolen-in-czech-republic_1683149|accessdate=1 May 2012|newspaper=dnaindia.com|date=May 1, 2012|location=Warsaw|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517131426/http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_10-tonne-bridge-stolen-in-czech-republic_1683149|archive-date=17 May 2012|url-status=live}}

The French railway network company RFF face regular thefts of metal that affect the operation of the trains.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rtl.fr/actu/societe-faits-divers/pyrenees-le-train-jaune-victime-de-vol-de-cable-7772975323 |title=Pyrénées : le Train jaune victime de vol de câble |date=July 2014 |access-date=2014-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714234333/http://www.rtl.fr/actu/societe-faits-divers/pyrenees-le-train-jaune-victime-de-vol-de-cable-7772975323 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |url-status=live }}

In February 2006, near the German city of Weimar, thieves dismantled and carted away some {{convert|5|km|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} of disused rail track, causing at least 200,000 euros worth of damage.{{cite web |title=It's hard to keep track... |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-02-05/its-hard-to-keep-track/792298 |website=Abc News |publisher=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110163036/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-02-05/its-hard-to-keep-track/792298 |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |page=February 5, 2006 |date=April 9, 2010}}

In June 2012, a badly burned man was found alive on the side of a road in Wilhelmsburg. The man was believed to be part of a group of suspects stealing overhead contact wire from a nearby railway. {{convert|3|km|sigfig=1|spell=On|abbr=on}} of copper cable had been torn down before the accident occurred and the theft was aborted.{{cite web|url=http://www.bild.de/regional/hamburg/diebstahl/kupferdieb-liegt-halb-verbrannt-im-transporter-24607084.bild.html|title=Wilhelmsburg: Kupferdieb liegt halb verbrannt im Transporter|trans-title=Wilhelmsburg: copper thief is half burned in Transportation|date=12 June 2012|website=BILD.de|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003220139/http://www.bild.de/regional/hamburg/diebstahl/kupferdieb-liegt-halb-verbrannt-im-transporter-24607084.bild.html|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In April 2016, a cast bronze owl was stolen from the grave of a two-year-old child in Rommerkirchen. The €800 sculpture far exceeds the €20 scrap value.{{cite web|url=http://www.merkur.de/welt/eulen-statue-kindergrab-gestohlen-6365895.html|title=Eule von Kindergrab gestohlen – eBay-Händler beschimpft|trans-title=Owl stolen from child's grave – eBay dealer insulted|date=2 May 2016|website=www.merkur.de|last=Bamler|first=Sophie|accessdate=18 October 2016|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003212647/http://www.merkur.de/welt/eulen-statue-kindergrab-gestohlen-6365895.html|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=live}}

In Haiti, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, some looters were reported to be removing rebar from the concrete of collapsed buildings in order to sell it.{{cite news|url=http://teddbenson.com/2010/01/16/rebar/|title=Rebar!|last=Benson|first=Tedd|date=January 16, 2010|work=New House Rules|accessdate=23 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202084624/http://teddbenson.com/2010/01/16/rebar/|archive-date=2 December 2013|url-status=live}} Others hacked up downed power lines.{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-21-haiti-looting_N.htm|title=Fine line between stealing, surviving in Haiti|last=Leinwand|first=Donna|date=Jan 22, 2010|newspaper=USA TODAY|accessdate=23 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026044607/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-21-haiti-looting_N.htm|archive-date=26 October 2012|url-status=live}}

In the city of Kolkata, India, more than 10,000 manhole covers were taken in two months. These were replaced with concrete covers, but these were also stolen, this time for the rebar inside them.{{Cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040907/asp/calcutta/story_3724114.asp|title=10,000 manhole covers vanish – Fingers pointed at Growing craze for Drugs, SNAP lottery|date=September 7, 2004|work=The Telegraph (Kolkata)|access-date=October 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711112034/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040907/asp/calcutta/story_3724114.asp|archive-date=July 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}

In 2016, the sewers in Medan Merdeka avenue near National Monument, Central Jakarta, was discovered had been clogged with 10 truck loads of rubber-PVC cable jacket, causing flood in the area. Then it was discovered that the cables belongs to PT Telkom or PT PLN, state-owned telecommunication and electricity provider. The cable jacket was left clogging the sewer, while the metal thieves stole the inner copper wires.{{cite news | work = Berita Jakarta | title = Pencuri Logam Kabel Jual Barang ke Penadah di Jakarta | author = Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | date = 11 March 2016 | url = http://www.beritajakarta.com/read/27176/Pencuri-Logam-Kabel-Jual-Barang-ke-Penadah-di-Jakarta | language = id | access-date = 2 May 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160603110348/http://www.beritajakarta.com/read/27176/Pencuri-Logam-Kabel-Jual-Barang-ke-Penadah-di-Jakarta | archive-date = 3 June 2016 | url-status = dead }}

Several war graves in the Java Sea were discovered to have been allegedly removed by Chinese metal scavengers. The wrecks of {{HMS|Exeter|68|6}}, {{HMS|Encounter|H10|6}}, and {{USS|Perch|SS-176|6}} had been totally removed. A sizable portion of {{HMS|Electra|H27|6}} was also scavenged.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/16/british-second-world-war-ships-illegal-scavenging-java-sea|title=British second world war shipwrecks in Java Sea destroyed by illegal scavenging|last=Holmes|first=Oliver|author2=Luke Harding|date=16 November 2016|work=The Guardian|accessdate=17 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116231001/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/16/british-second-world-war-ships-illegal-scavenging-java-sea|archive-date=16 November 2016|url-status=live}}

The wrecks of {{HNLMS|De Ruyter|1935|6}}, {{HNLMS|Java|1921|6}}, and {{HNLMS|Kortenaer|1927|6}} were also missing.

There has been a rising concern that other war graves in the Java Sea and surrounding seas are at risk of desecration by Chinese metal scavengers.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65750908|title=Malaysia detains Chinese ship suspected of looting British WW2 wrecks|last=Ritchie|first=Hannah|date=30 May 2023|work=BBC|accessdate=10 November 2023}}

On 11 January 2011, the theft of {{convert|300|m|ft|sp=us}} of copper cable caused an ICE train to derail near the Dutch city of Zevenaar. Nobody was harmed.{{cite web |url=http://www.nu.nl/binnenland/2423215/treinbotsing-zevenaar-vermoedelijk-koperdiefstal.html |language=nl |title=Treinbotsing Zevenaar vermoedelijk door koperdiefstal |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=2011-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116020212/http://www.nu.nl/binnenland/2423215/treinbotsing-zevenaar-vermoedelijk-koperdiefstal.html |archive-date=2011-01-16 |url-status=live }}

In 2001, thieves in Khabarovsk Krai stole electric and telephone lines leading to military bases there.{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb6465/is_200110/ai_n26277132/|title=Russia: Metal thieves leave military bases without power. (Brief Article)|date=October 2001|publisher=IPR Strategic Business Information Database|accessdate=2009-09-27}}{{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} A small bridge was stolen in Russia in 2007, when a man chopped up its 5-meter span and hauled it away.{{cite news|url=http://www.mirror-guardian.com/news/Scarborough/Column/article/30677|title=Honesty wins out when rediscovering stolen chairs|date=August 28, 2007|last=Singer|first=Dick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929035825/http://www.mirror-guardian.com/news/Scarborough/Column/article/30677|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oukoe-uk-russia-bridge-theft-idUKL3116489920070831|title=Russian police arrest man for stealing a bridge|date=August 31, 2007|work=Reuters|location=Moscow|access-date=December 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813185937/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/08/31/oukoe-uk-russia-bridge-theft-idUKL3116489920070831|archive-date=August 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:WWI War Memorial Union Buildings Pretoria 021.jpg, Pretoria]]

Metal theft in South Africa is rampant, with an estimated R5 billion per annum lost due to the theft. The stolen metal ranges from copper cables, piping, bolts to manhole covers. The theft continuously disrupts and degrades services, such as the power supply provided by Eskom and the telecommunication services by Telkom. Eskom estimated that the theft has cost the company about R25 million per annum, with incidents increasing from 446 incidents in 2005; 1,059 in 2007 and 1,914 in 2008. The theft has cost Telkom R863 million (April 2007 – January 2008 period). Despite the minimal copper reserve South Africa has, as much as 3000 tonnes of copper leave Cape Town harbour every month. Aside from the economic impact, the theft also impacted people's lives, this includes the death of six children due to theft of manhole covers (2004–2008 figures).{{cite news|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/da-cable-theft-needs-urgent-action-1.410618|title=DA: Cable theft needs urgent action|work=Independent Online (South Africa)|date=2008-07-31|access-date=2011-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023041211/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/da-cable-theft-needs-urgent-action-1.410618|archive-date=2012-10-23|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/metal-theft-is-crippling-industry-1.409566|last=Ndlovu|first=Sinegugu|title=Metal theft is crippling industry|work=Independent Online (South Africa)|date=2008-07-24|access-date=2011-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023041136/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/metal-theft-is-crippling-industry-1.409566|archive-date=2012-10-23|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2008-03-03-cable-theft-costs-telkom-r863m|title=Cable theft costs Telkom R863m|newspaper=Mail & Guardian|date=2008-03-03|access-date=2011-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927143453/http://mg.co.za/article/2008-03-03-cable-theft-costs-telkom-r863m|archive-date=2011-09-27|url-status=live}} The theft of copper cables is a serious problem in Gauteng.{{cite journal|title=A criminological analysis of copper cable theft in Gauteng |author=Pretorius, William Lyon |date=2013-10-02 |hdl=10500/10598 }}{{cite web|url=http://uir.unisa.ac.za/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10500/10598/dissertation_pretorius_wl.pdf?sequence=1 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-01-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202165614/http://uir.unisa.ac.za/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10500/10598/dissertation_pretorius_wl.pdf?sequence=1 |archive-date=2014-02-02 }}

In February 2004, thieves in western Ukraine dismantled and stole an {{convert|11|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, one-tonne steel bridge that spanned the river Svalyavka.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3514061.stm |title=Thieves steal bridge in Ukraine |newspaper=BBC NEWS |date=2004-02-23 |accessdate=2014-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202132443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3514061.stm |archive-date=2014-02-02 |url-status=live }} In September 2009, smugglers attempted to make off with 25 tons of radioactive scrap metal from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The Security Service of Ukraine caught them.{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/Theft_Thwarted_Of_Radioactive_Scrap_Metal_From_Chornobyl/1824965.html|title=Theft Thwarted Of Radioactive Scrap Metal From Chornobyl|date=September 17, 2009|publisher=Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty|accessdate=2009-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926204655/http://www.rferl.org/content/Theft_Thwarted_Of_Radioactive_Scrap_Metal_From_Chornobyl/1824965.html|archive-date=September 26, 2009|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Metal theft in the United Kingdom}}

File:Stolen postbox, Fonthill Gifford - geograph.org.uk - 1764131.jpg from a wall in the United Kingdom]]

Significant rises in metal theft were observed during 2006–2007 in the UK,{{cite news |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/may/28/transport.topstories3 |date=2007-05-28 |title=Copper thieves cause havoc for commuters |accessdate=2008-02-02 |location=London |first=Dan |last=Milmo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831073510/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/may/28/transport.topstories3 |archive-date=2013-08-31 |url-status=live }} especially in North East England, where metal theft was still on the rise {{as of|2008|lc=y}}.{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3554019/Pillar-boxes-could-be-next-to-go-missing.html |date=2008-01-22 |title=Pillar boxes could be next to go missing |accessdate=2008-02-02 |location=London |first=Clive |last=Aslet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406103121/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3554019/Pillar-boxes-could-be-next-to-go-missing.html |archive-date=2009-04-06 |url-status=live }}

In the UK, the British Metals Recycling Association{{Cite web |url=http://www.recyclemetals.org/ |title=British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) |access-date=2012-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125094501/http://www.recyclemetals.org/ |archive-date=2012-11-25 |url-status=live }} is working with authorities such as the Association of Chief Police Officers and the British Transport Police to halt the problem of metal being stolen from its members' sites and to identify stolen materials. Also see Operation Tremor.

Roofs, manhole covers, statues etc. have all been increasingly targeted recently due to the rising cost of metal. Most of the time metal is sold for scrap, but occasionally it is used by the thieves themselves. There have been many stories of metal theft; a bronze statue of former Olympic champion Steve Ovett disappeared from Preston Park in Brighton{{cite news|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/18328/Who-did-a-runner-with-Ovett-s-statue-|title=Who did a runner with Ovett's statue?|newspaper=Daily Express|date=September 5, 2007|first=David|last=Pilditch|accessdate=2009-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212225152/http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/18328/Who-did-a-runner-with-Ovett-s-statue-|archive-date=February 12, 2010|url-status=live}} and church bells in Devon were stolen by thieves.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7056106.stm|title=Church bells saved from scrapyard|date=22 October 2007|work=BBC News|accessdate=2009-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302223121/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7056106.stm|archive-date=2 March 2014|url-status=live}} A statue made by Henry Moore and estimated to be worth £300,000 was stolen from a museum in 2006, and believed to have been melted down for its scrap value of around £5,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/jan/25/arttheft.highereducation|title=As another bronze is stolen, police fear treasures are going for scrap|last=Bowcott|first=Owen|date=25 January 2006|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=2009-03-24|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304214954/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/jan/25/arttheft.highereducation|archive-date=4 March 2014|url-status=live}} Churches, especially older churches, suffer as 'lead theft' from church (and other) roofs is on the rise.{{cite news|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/highest.ever.lead.theft.levels.threaten.community.churches/20332.htm|title='Highest ever' lead theft levels threaten community churches|date=July 10, 2008|publisher=Christian Today|accessdate=2009-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204182634/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/highest.ever.lead.theft.levels.threaten.community.churches/20332.htm|archive-date=December 4, 2008|url-status=live}}

In late 2011 the police began a number of crackdowns on metal theft, the largest in South Yorkshire resulting in at least 22 arrests and the seizure of amateur smelting equipment.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-15780356|title=South Yorkshire Police crack down on metal thefts|accessdate=2011-11-27|publisher=BBC|date=2011-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831055939/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-15780356|archive-date=2012-08-31|url-status=live}} In August 2012, thieves stole 26 metal cages from an animal hospital in Kibworth, Leicestershire. Cages containing sick or injured animals were emptied by the thieves, leading to the death of eight animals and the escape of several others. The cages were worth about £30,000.{{cite news|title=Metal thieves now target cages at animal hospital|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/9455592/Metal-thieves-now-target-cages-at-animal-hopsital.html|accessdate=7 August 2012|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=6 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110163036/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/9455592/Metal-thieves-now-target-cages-at-animal-hopsital.html|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}

Theft of copper cable by the side of railway tracks has also become increasingly a problem. Railway signal control cables are a common target, leading to serious safety issues and significant disruption for rail traffic. Theft of cables used for railway electrification is extremely dangerous to the perpetrator as well as bystanders as these systems are routinely energised to tens of thousands of volts.

File:Ashmont train on Longfellow Bridge.jpg was stolen before refurbishment, requiring expensive replacement castings to be fabricated.]]

In Boston during the summer of 2008, two state employees stole {{convert|2347|ft|m}} of decorative iron trim that had been removed from the Longfellow Bridge for refurbishment and sold it for scrap. The men, one of whom was a Department of Conservation and Recreation district manager, were charged with receiving $12,147 for the historic original parapet coping. The estimated cost to remake the pieces, scheduled for replication by 2012, was over $500,000.{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/09/12/case_of_the_purloined_ironwork/|title=Case of the purloined ironwork|date=2008-09-12|newspaper=Boston Globe|author=Ebbert, Stephanie|accessdate=2008-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021092326/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/09/12/case_of_the_purloined_ironwork/|archive-date=2012-10-21|url-status=live}} The men were later convicted, in September 2009.{{cite news|url=http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/16/pair_get_jail_for_iron_theft_at_bridge/|title=Pair get jail for iron theft at bridge|last=Ellement|first=John R.|date=2009-09-16|work=Boston Globe|location=Boston, Massachusetts|accessdate=2009-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821123614/http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/16/pair_get_jail_for_iron_theft_at_bridge/|archive-date=2016-08-21|url-status=live}}

In New Castle, Pennsylvania, two brothers dismantled a {{convert|40|by|15|ft|adj=on}} bridge by using a cutting torch to take it apart. Between September 16 and September 28, 2011, the brothers stole the entire bridge and then sold the steel for $5,000.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/bridge-stolen-and-sold-for-scrap/|title=Bridge Stolen and Sold For Scrap|website=ABC News|access-date=2016-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003192341/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/bridge-stolen-and-sold-for-scrap/|archive-date=2016-10-03|url-status=live}}

Cities across the United States have become targets for metal thieves. Manhole cover thefts increased dramatically between 2007 and 2008, with Philadelphia as one of the hardest hit targets. Other cities dealing with this trend include Chicago, Illinois; Greensboro, North Carolina, Long Beach, California;{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/05/19/rising-ripoffs.html |title=Manhole Covers Stolen for Scrap Metal |newspaper=Newsweek Business |date=2010-07-10 |author=Newsweek Staff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902082210/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/05/19/rising-ripoffs.html |archive-date=September 2, 2013 }} and Palm Beach County, Florida.{{cite news|url=http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/08/29/copper-thieves-leave-i-95-in-palm-beach-co-in-the-dark/|title=Copper Thieves Leave I-95 In Palm Beach Co. In The Dark|date=August 29, 2011|publisher=CBS|accessdate=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922235001/http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/08/29/copper-thieves-leave-i-95-in-palm-beach-co-in-the-dark/|archive-date=22 September 2015|url-status=live}}

Copper wire thefts have also become increasingly common in the US. With copper prices at $3.70 a pound {{as of|2007|06|lc=y}}, compared to $0.60 a pound in 2002, people have been increasingly stealing copper wire from telephone and power company assets. People have even been injured and killed in power plants while trying to obtain copper wire.{{cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/salem_man_badly_burned_in_atte.html|title=Salem man badly burned in attempted metal theft, police say|last=Mitchell|first=Kay|date=August 31, 2009|newspaper=The Oregonian|accessdate=2009-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904042637/http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/salem_man_badly_burned_in_atte.html|archive-date=September 4, 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://froggyweb.com/news/articles/2013/sep/05/copper-stolen-from-otter-tail-power-company-substation-in-wahpeton/ |title=Copper stolen from Otter Tail Power Company substation in Wahpeton |date=September 5, 2013 |first=Bonnie |last=Amistadi |publisher=KVOX–FM – Today's Froggy 99.9 |accessdate=2014-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410222108/http://froggyweb.com/news/articles/2013/sep/05/copper-stolen-from-otter-tail-power-company-substation-in-wahpeton/ |archive-date=April 10, 2015 |url-status=live }} Other sources of stolen copper include railroad signal lines, grounding bars at electric substations, and even a {{convert|3000|lb|adj=on}} bell stolen from a Buddhist temple in Tacoma, Washington, which was later recovered.{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Bell-heralds-break-in-theft-case-1266678.php|title=Bell heralds break in theft case|date=March 7, 2008|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|accessdate=2010-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006180803/http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Bell-heralds-break-in-theft-case-1266678.php|archive-date=October 6, 2012|url-status=live}}

For example, Georgia, like many other states, has seen enough copper crime that a special task force has been created to fight it. The Metro Atlanta Copper Task Force is led by the Atlanta Police Department and involves police and recyclers from surrounding metro areas, Georgia Power, and the Fulton County District Attorney's office.{{cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/08/02/copper_theft.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205083447/http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/08/02/copper_theft.html|archive-date=2008-12-05|title=E. Atlanta church among sites stripped of copper|last=Garner|first=Marcus K.|date=2008-08-03|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}

Many states around the nation have passed – or are exploring – legislation to combat the problem. A new Georgia law took effect in July 2007 making it a crime to knowingly buy stolen metal. It allows prosecutors to prosecute for the actual cost of returning property to original conditions, as many of these thefts dramatically hurt the surrounding property value.{{cite web |url=http://georgiafrontpage.blogspot.com/2008/07/emcs-mark-one-year-of-tougher-copper.html |title=EMCs Mark One Year of Tougher Copper Theft Law |website=Georgia Front Page |date=2008-07-06 |accessdate=2014-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226073457/http://georgiafrontpage.blogspot.com/2008/07/emcs-mark-one-year-of-tougher-copper.html |archive-date=2014-02-26 |url-status=live }}

On September 1, 2007, Earl Thelander of Onawa, Iowa, became the United States' first innocent copper theft fatality.{{cite web|url=https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/earl-thelander/|title=Earl Thelander — A Nation's First|last=Ewing|first=Jody|website=Iowa Cold Cases|date=26 October 2010 |accessdate=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321013756/http://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/earl-thelander/|archive-date=21 March 2015|url-status=live}} Thelander sustained second- and third-degree burns over 80% of his body during an August 28, 2007, explosion, after copper thieves stripped propane and water lines from a rural residence and let the home fill with gas. Thelander, who, along with his wife, was preparing the empty home for a new tenant, reported the burglary to the Monona County Sheriff's Office, who investigated the initial crime. Hours after local law enforcement sent the Thelanders home, Thelander returned to the home to see if officials had cleared the home for entry. With no law enforcement nor fire department personnel present, he entered the home, and, smelling no fumes, felt it safe to work. In the basement, he plugged in a fan to help dry water on the basement floor, the electricity sparking an explosion.

In response to the growing concerns and the lack of hard numbers on these crimes in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and the University of Indianapolis Community Research Center (CRC) began in 2008 a collaborative effort to collect data on metal thefts. The Indianapolis Metal Theft Project gathers and analyzes a wide variety of data to provide a clearer understanding of the incidence, types, costs, and impacts of metal theft in Indianapolis in order to inform and implement strategies to reduce these crimes and their impacts.

The Department of Justice's Office of Community-Oriented Policing and the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing published its 58th problem-solving guide in 2010 directed towards theft of scrap metal. Brandon Kooi provides a review of the problem in the US and internationally, followed by a number of suggested responses and what to consider in those responses.{{cite web |url=http://www.popcenter.org/problems/metal_theft/1 |website=Center for Problem-Oriented Policing |title=Theft of Scrap Metal |first=Brandon |last=Kooi |date=January 2010 |accessdate=2014-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202105750/http://www.popcenter.org/problems/metal_theft/1 |archive-date=2014-02-02 |url-status=live }}

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries is one of the groups backing these educational efforts throughout the country. As the nation's trade association for the scrap recycling industry, ISRI provides members and community leaders with resources that they can use when facing the issue. They have also teamed with the National Crime Prevention Council (known for McGruff the Crime Dog and the "Take a Bite Out of Crime" slogan) in an effort to team with law enforcement and crime prevention organizations to fight and solve this problem, and have established a theft alert system that these groups can use. ISRI and the National Crime Prevention Council offer a number of tips for how to fight and prevent metal theft, including requiring photo ID and license plate information for every transaction, training employees on identifying stolen goods, and keeping good records that might be useful later.{{cite news |url=http://eponline.com/articles/2008/05/21/ferrous-infrastructure-theft-on-the-rise.aspx |title=Ferrous Infrastructure Theft on the Rise |newspaper=Environmental Protection |date=2008-05-21 |accessdate=2013-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723051542/http://eponline.com/articles/2008/05/21/ferrous-infrastructure-theft-on-the-rise.aspx |archive-date=2012-07-23 |url-status=live }}

In the 2010s, during the crisis in Venezuela, metal theft in Venezuela increased, including the smuggling of metals such as bronze, aluminum and copper. Several groups responsible for the thefts were identified nationwide that were made up of "experts" in wiring and that hired neighbors to carry out the thefts. The groups have targeted mostly electrical contractor firms, but also electrical cable from public and private infrastructure, including schools, universities, health centers, charcoal briquette factories, traffic lights, light poles, and in some cases individual homes. Thefts would sell scrap to intermediaries, which in turn would sell the scrap to legal smelters and manufacturers in Venezuela or smuggle it illegally across the border. By 2017, in the Colombian frontier city of Cúcuta, a kilo of copper could be sold for a little over $1, an important income at a time where the minimum wage in Venezuela was $5.

Metal and cable theft in the country has left several neighborhoods and universities nationwide without electricity, internet or telephone service, and has led to the deterioration of utilities and infrastructure throughout Venezuela. By 2017, Venezuelan police forces had arrested over 100 people in different operations against and confiscated 7.5 tons in copper pipes. The copper originated mostly from the capital Caracas and the neighboring states of Aragua and Carabobo, and was destined for other countries in the region. Part of it was found on a ship heading from the Falcón coastal state to the Caribbean.

{{commons category}}

• Gold laundering
• Gresham's law
• Manhole cover theft
• Operation Crucible
• Penny debate in the United States
• Street sign theft

Specific citations:

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

General references:

• {{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2006/01/06/home_burglars_take_staircase_kitchen_sink/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111163512/http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2006/01/06/home_burglars_take_staircase_kitchen_sink/|title=Home burglars take staircase, kitchen sink|work=Boston Globe|accessdate= Jan 8, 2006|date=January 6, 2006|location=GILROY, Calif.|archive-date=January 11, 2006}}
• {{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/04/jesus.stolen.ap/index.html|title=Thieves take Jesus statue from church cross|date=2008-06-04|work=CNN|accessdate=2008-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605133033/http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/04/jesus.stolen.ap/index.html|archive-date=June 5, 2008|location=DETROIT, Michigan}}
• [https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2008/december/copper_120308 FBI — Copper Theft – Press Room – Headline Archives 12-03-08]

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080623195721/http://www.iapci.org/ International Association of Property Crime Investigators]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130514053824/http://pol-primett.org/ Pol-Primett], a European project
• [https://www.cnbc.com/2013/07/30/copper-theft-like-an-epidemic-sweeping-us.html Copper theft 'like an epidemic' sweeping US]—CNBC, 30 July 2013

{{Navbox theft}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Looting