COOPER THEFT COUNTERMEASURES:

 Consideration of cut-resistant perimeter fencing to control unauthorized entry, especially in abandoned structures;

 Adequate lighting at points of entry should be maintained to deter and hinder unauthorized entrance;

 If structure is unoccupied, all valuable contents should be removed from the building;

 Avoid posting physical address on classified-ads or Craigslist, when listing you vacated housing or commercial properties. And always post that it has pvc, or no cooper at site on these ads.

 Points of entry, such as windows, doors, and other openings should be properly secured and locked;

 A foliage assessment should be conducted to remove the opportunity for coverage or shielding of unauthorized individuals attempting to gain access into a structure;

 Use of security officers, DVR or CCTC and security/burglary alarm systems should be utilized to help

prevent unauthorized entrance into a structure;

 Coordination with local law enforcement, and/or security patrols to gain heightened observations of

areas of risk;

 Search for new style locking hardware to replace old chain locks utilized in many structures;

 Installation of intrusion detection and alarm equipment to detect,record, and alert intruders with camera and infrared lighting (for night imaging); tattle-tale devices placed in open area are helpful, as well.

 Replace copper with copperweld, copper-covered steel, or PVC piping.This material is much less expensive with little value to thieves;

 Stamping and marking copper with entity logos or other identifying labels to identify owned entity owned copper and alert recycling dealers of potential stolen materials;

 Post “No Trespassing” signs;

 Consider working through Neighborhood Watch Programs utilizing their hotlines to report and alert law enforcement to suspicious behaviors around areas of risk;

 If perpetrators are caught by law enforcement, resist plea bargains which might allow alleged criminals to strike again

Copper theft prevention is an issue of service/business delivery, reliability and safety. Businesses should take steps to protect and prevent against this risk. Please do your part to protect your assets and the needs of your clients against copper theft.