The nation’s copper theft epidemic continues, and thieves are not just targeting abandoned buildings. Here's a quick sample of institutional and commercial facilities that were recently vandalized:
In Arkansas, copper thieves caused $80,000 in damages to three radio stations on Sept. 19. They cut wires and pulled copper wires from the ground and building using a truck and cable, damaging the building and backup generator. The stations were off the air for about eight hours.
In Kansas, a copper thief destroyed an air conditioning unit at the Ag Hall at the Kansas Expocentre on Sept. 13. The thief also stole two air conditioning units serving an adjacent fire station. Replacement costs for the three units are about $60,000.
On Chicago's South Side, Holy Angels Catholic School had to cancel classes twice in less than a week in late August due to thieves stealing about 360 feet of copper electrical wire, causing $18,000 in damages.
Copper is a nearly endlessly recyclable metal with many uses, so its resale value remains a strong motivator for theft. Facility managers can take steps to make their metal infrastructure a little less attractive, though. Consider these suggestions from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries:
This Quick Read was submitted by Naomi Millán, senior editor, Building Operating Management.
