Date: January
27, 2011
Attention: ASCIP Members
Subject: Theft of Copper Wire and Building Materials
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In 2007, ASCIP became aware
of an increasing number of thefts of heavy gage copper electrical wire, water
pipe, roof drains and scuppers, and HVAC coils from Member school sites. Copper thefts have been an ongoing problem;
however record prices paid for scrap copper drove an increase in such thefts
nationwide. The number of thefts dropped
dramatically when copper prices fell throughout 2009 and 2010. Unfortunately, scrap copper prices started to
rise in late December of 2010 and continue to rise in 2011. As was predicted, theft of copper wire is on the
rise also and many ASCIP Members are once again the victims of such thefts.
These losses appear to
occur at night and on weekends and may involve live electrical circuits, active
water lines, and operational HVAC units. The thefts have also resulted in
additional damage to school roofs and to other rooftop equipment.
ASCIP’s initial
investigations lead staff to believe that such thefts may be regional and
involve both ASCIP and non-ASCIP member school sites. It is believed that certain well prepared
individuals with a good knowledge of electrical and HVAC systems gain access to
the roofs of school buildings and turn off or otherwise disconnect power to
heavy electrical cables which are then pulled from the rooftop conduits and
hauled away by vehicle. Copper water
pipes have been broken off or torn out by force leaving the running water to
flood the affected school facilities.
Over a decade ago the high
price of scrap copper caused a number of school sites to be stripped of their
rooftop HVAC units which were disassembled and the copper parts sold for scrap
value. Copper electrical wires in remote
desert areas also disappeared. Today,
such losses appear to involve anything made of copper that can be reached from
outside an unguarded building.
Although law enforcement
has been made aware of these incidents, ASCIP members should be watchful for
unauthorized persons or vehicles on campus during non-school hours. Because it is not uncommon for legitimate
contractors to be working on weekends, the sighting of a contractor vehicle
under such circumstances may not trigger an immediate concern.
ASCIP recommends an
increased level of awareness at all school facilities. School site roads and gateways should be
closed and locked after hours if possible to prevent unauthorized vehicle
access. If vehicles are noted on campus
during odd hours or on weekends, jotting down a license number and a
description of that vehicle may be valuable.
If you see anything suspicious DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE THAT YOU BELIEVE
IN
ADDITION, ON BEHALF OF OUR MEMBERS, ASCIP and WETIP ANNOUNCE A REWARD!
PAYING UP TO $15,000.00 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST AND
CONVICTION OF ANYONE RESPONSIBLE FOR COPPER WIRE THEFT TO AN