Middletown man indicted for copper theft

COOPER THEFT COUNTERMEASURES:

 Considerationof cut-resistant perimeter fencing to control unauthorized entry, especially inabandoned structures;

 Adequatelighting at points of entry should be maintained to deter and hinderunauthorized entrance;

 Ifstructure is unoccupied, all valuable contents should be removed from thebuilding;

 Avoidposting physical address on classified-ads or Craigslist, when listing youvacated housing or commercial properties. And always post that it has pvc, orno cooper at site on these ads.

 Pointsof entry, such as windows, doors, and other openings should be properly securedand locked;

 Afoliage assessment should be conducted to remove the opportunity for coverageor shielding of unauthorized individuals attempting to gain access into astructure;

 Use of securityofficers, DVR or CCTC and security/burglary alarm systems should be utilized tohelp

prevent unauthorizedentrance into a structure;

 Coordinationwith local law enforcement, and/or security patrols to gain heightenedobservations of

areas of risk;

 Searchfor new style locking hardware to replace old chain locks utilized in manystructures;

 Installationof intrusion detection and alarm equipment to detect,record, and alertintruders with camera and infrared lighting (for night imaging); tattle-taledevices placed in open area are helpful, as well.

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

 Stampingand marking copper with entity logos or other identifying labels to identifyowned entity owned copper and alert recycling dealers of potential stolenmaterials;

 Post “NoTrespassing” signs;

 Considerworking through Neighborhood Watch Programs utilizing their hotlines to reportand alert law enforcement to suspicious behaviors around areas of risk;

 Ifperpetrators are caught by law enforcement, resist plea bargains which mightallow alleged criminals to strike again

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