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.
------------- Shonn Silvers
District Manager/Captain
U.S. Protection Service
|