Copper Wire Theft is a costly menace to critical infrastructure.

The Problem

Metal theft, though seemingly innocuous, poses a significant threat to our critical infrastructure. This is typically a clandestine crime, and it has significant impact on public safety, corporate risk, and with the globally increasing cost of copper is increasing in frequency.

Solutions

Understand your vulnerability. Thieves see an easy way to make a quick profit by pulling the copper wire out of light poles.

To combat copper theft please consider these strategies.

1. 1. Prevention Systems: Implement deterrent measures to discourage criminals.
2. 2. Education: Raise awareness about the consequences of copper theft.
3. 3. Collaboration: Utilities, law enforcement, and communities must work together.

Prevention & deterrence tactics can include the following:

1. 1. Surveillance Cameras and Alarms: Installing security cameras and alarms at vulnerable locations such as electrical substations, cell towers, and construction sites can deter thieves. Real-time monitoring helps detect suspicious activity.
2. 2. Fencing and Barriers: Erecting physical barriers around substations, railroads, and other targeted areas prevents unauthorized access. High fences, locked gates, and anti-climb features discourage theft.
3. 3. Marking and Tracing: Applying unique markings or microdots to copper cables allows law enforcement to trace stolen materials back to their source. This discourages thieves and aids in recovery.
4. 4. Lighting: Well-lit areas are less attractive to criminals. Adequate lighting around infrastructure sites reduces the likelihood of theft.
5. 5. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Utilities, businesses, and communities should work closely with local law enforcement. Reporting suspicious activity promptly helps prevent thefts.
6. 6. Education and Awareness: Educating the public, scrap dealers, and recycling centers about the consequences of copper theft fosters a sense of responsibility. Awareness campaigns can discourage illegal transactions.
7. 7. Secure Storage: Properly securing unused copper materials and storing them in locked containers prevents easy access for thieves.
8. 8. Providing Physical Deterrents: Replacing standard hand hole covers with secure covers will stop thefts from happening no matter the location of a physical light pole.
9. 9. Replacing copper downspouts with attractive alternatives will virtually reduce all risk of theft in that instance.

Products - How we can help 

Take advantage of our secure products to protect your properties and investments from thieves looking to prey on unsecure copper, brass, and other valuable metals.

We offer a wide range of Downspouts as well as multiple versions of Hand Hole Cover Locks.

Please download our Hand Hole Cover Spec Sheet here

Please download our Warranty here

For additional information please contact us at info@endmetaltheft.com or 480-745-3999