Commercial property owners are likely familiar with the risks associated with copper theft from their properties. These issues are multifaceted and can significantly disrupt operations. Shopping and retail centers are particularly at risk due to their layouts, designed to be easily accessible for pedestrian traffic- making them a desirable target for copper thieves especially in the middle of the night.
The surging price of scrap copper has made commercial properties especially lucrative targets for thieves, causing a myriad of challenges for property owners and managers. The repercussions of copper theft extend beyond the immediate financial loss from the stolen metal, but by understanding these risks, commercial property owners can better prepare and implement measures to mitigate the threats posed by copper theft. Here are a few of the most impactful risks below:
- Disruption of Essential Services: Copper is a critical material used in various infrastructure systems. The theft of copper can disrupt essential services like electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water supply, heating, security, and emergency services, which can, in turn, jeopardize public safety.
- Property Damage: Often, the act of stealing copper can cause extensive property damage. The thieves might damage walls, ceilings, or floors to access copper wiring and pipes, leading to additional repair costs. For instance, theft can result in water damage if copper pipes are stolen.
- Financial Losses: Copper theft can incur substantial financial losses for property owners. This includes the cost of replacing stolen copper, repairing any collateral damage caused during the theft, and potential revenue losses from temporary closures necessary for repairs.
- Threat to Critical Infrastructure: The FBI notes that copper thefts are a threat to US critical infrastructure, targeting a variety of sites including electrical sub-stations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes.
- Increased Operational Costs: Businesses may face increased operational costs due to the need for enhanced security measures to deter copper thefts, such as installing better lighting, fencing, and surveillance systems.
- Insurance Claims and Premiums: The occurrence of copper theft can lead to insurance claims, which might result in increased insurance premiums over time.
Because copper wiring is often found in electrical and HVAC systems, their theft can result in expensive repair and replacement costs for companies along with potential revenue losses from temporary closures while systems are out of commission.
See how Stealth’s live video monitoring solution can help deter and intervene in potential copper thefts in the video below.
At approximately 9:26 a.m., Stealth security professionals monitoring a South Carolina shopping center noticed suspicious activity at the rear of the property, near the electrical boxes and HVAC systems. Observing monitoring operators immediately activated onsite audible warnings and contacted local police dispatch due to the nature of the activity being observed. Officers arrived onsite quickly and could be seen on camera engaging with, and ultimately taking into custody the individual seen tampering with the property.
Customizable, Real-Time Security that Meets the Unique Needs of Your Retail Property
Running a retail property comes with unique security challenges. With varied layouts, tenant mixes, damage risks, and foot traffic patterns, off-the-shelf security solutions simply won’t cut it. You need a highly customizable system tailored to your unique property’s specific vulnerabilities.
That’s why Stealth’s live video monitoring is the ideal solution. With strategic camera placement and real-time monitoring by trained professionals, we actively watch for suspicious activity as it occurs – whether it’s trespassers, copper thieves, vandals, illegal dumping, or prowlers.
When our operators spot undesirable behavior, we can quickly activate speakers, or dispatch police to intervene before major damages are done. And thanks to our real-time video, dispatch typically prioritizes our calls for urgent response. We’ve apprehended many criminals red-handed this way.
A static camera can’t compare to having actual humans actively monitoring your property and assets. Let us customize an affordable security solution for your unique property, tenants, and needs.
Learn more about Stealth’s proactive, tailored security services when you contact us today. We’ll help you secure your property in ways generic systems simply can’t.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
