When it's pushing 115 degrees outside, this is the last thing you want to see…
That would be one of the two air conditioning units that were destroyed by thieves at one of our listings in Wittmann a few days ago. Rising copper prices have lead many of the dregs of society to smash apart $3000 – $5000 A/C units to get at the copper coils, which they then sell for about $50 bucks in order to finance their next fix.
The problem has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the country. In an effort to fight this in Arizona, the Governor signed HB2314 into law on May 8, 2007. This bill:
imposes new requirements on scrap metal dealers in an attempt to combat widespread metal thefts from construction sites, commercial buildings and other locations.
The restrictions are intended to make it harder for thieves, motivated by high prices for scrap, to anonymously sell stolen wire, air conditioner parts and other material.
State law now requires scrap metal dealers to keep a record of each transaction exceeding $25, logging a description of the metal, the dollar amount paid and identifying information about the seller and the seller's vehicle. Sales of used drink containers are exempt. (source)
These new requirements didn't seem to slow down the bozos responsible for this mess… Copper theft isn't just happening in Arizona. Here are 629 current news articles about copper theft. Rick at Cool Blew A/C Repair suggests considering building a wrought-iron "cage" around AC units, with a door/gate that can be padlocked for access. In remote areas like Wittmann, particularly in a vacant home, this may be a worthwhile investment. The price of scrap stainless-steel is also rising, leading to an increase in the theft of beer kegs. Beer companies are realizing, "an industry wide loss of up to $50 million a year", said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. (note to self, apply for Mr. Becker's job….) This cost is no doubt passed on to consumers, a economic fact I personally find disturbing. Sheriff Joe's boys were called out to investigate. Hopefully they'll catch these idiots and they can spend some quality time in Tent City, where they'll be wishing they had functional AC… [tags]stolen copper, beer kegs, copper theft[/tags]
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Jay,
While we can’t compare to the sheer amount of Air Conditioners you must have Phoenix, copper thievery is alive and well in the midwest too–AC Units, DownSpouts, torn from behind walls.
It’s been going on for years now and after it started to hit the suburbs (pause for dramatic effect) legislators began making laws pertaining to scrap yard dealers here in Columbus too.
While it’s not put the kabosh on it, it seems to have slowed down a bit in some of our historic districts.
Now, where can I get some of those hot beer kegs you’re talking about . . .
My company is in the business of providing security cages for A/C units. Custom built from heavy steel material, it can save thousands in AC replacement, company down time, lost production, etc. Check out the news report about combating copper theft.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20186126/
Post Alarm in Arcadia CA has a new wireless video surveillance system centrally monitored designed specifically to catch copper thieves in the act. This product in successful in even the most remote locations.
I recently sold an REO listing that this had happened to. However, they took the entire HVAC except for the pad. Here, we have seen everything…from manholes going missing, to hvac, to catelitic converters. (i have no idea how to spell that word and spell check wont find it)
If it happened at one REO, they are looking for others. So if thats your niche, look me up and we can protect them all.
We just had our 4-plex get hit. They took an axe to the 4 central A/C units. And since it was in Jefferson County, County regulations applied and to replace the units we would have to upgrade the entire system to higher efficiency models. And, if we did that, what would stop them from doing it again? We looked at the possibility of installing the units on the roof – but we were told the thieves just climb up on the roof, and push the A/C units off and let them *splat* on the ground and it actually makes it easier for them. So, we decided to just replace them with window units – at least til the price of copper comes down.
**Jennifer in Louisville´s last blog post..Louisville Luxury Homes