Insured metal theft claims in 2015 were down 23 percent from 2014 levels and 29 percent over the past two years.

If you figure that a better economy these days means less metal theft, think again. Theft of copper, aluminum and other metals continues as people see a way to easily make money to buy drugs or other uses.

Hydro One announced changes to "eliminate the use of valuable, pure copper at its stations across Ontario" as a means of thwarting theft of metals.

 Verizon said it is prepared to pay up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for recent thefts of copper telephone cables in Pennsylvania.  

Con Edison has launched a program aimed at deterring copper wire thefts and protecting its equipment.

Common recommendations for deterring copper theft include painting copper black to disguise it as plastic tubing, fencing areas with copper, or investing in alarm systems, surveillance cameras or security officers.

Efforts to crack down on copper theft suffered a setback in New Jersey with the surprise veto of a bill that would have required scrap dealers to keep records of their purchases.

Sims Metal Management, with locations throughout much of the U.S., will pay $4.1 million to settle a lawsuit after San Francisco and Contra Costa County accused the company of purchasing stolen metal.