Copper fetches nearly three dollars a pound at scrapyards these days, and the demand does not appear to be abating at all.
Copper fetches nearly three dollars a pound at scrapyards these days, and the demand does not appear to be abating at all. This is leading to a continuing rise in copper theft.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that this once mere nuisance has bloomed into a $1 billion per year nightmare as thieves target construction sites, abandoned buildings, and commercial heating and air conditioning units. According to the Central Connecticut Post, the destruction of a single $3,000 air conditioner could give a thief just $25 worth of copper. This leaves businesses on the hook to repair or replace equipment stripped of copper, resulting in losses of electricity, water, heating or air conditioning, and often a disruption of business until repairs are completed.