Copper
Thefts Feeding Eastern Demand
Increased demand from China and India for non-ferrous metals and a weakening
dollar have combined to increase the price of copper. Over the past eight
years, the price of copper has risen from around 80 cents a pound to over
$3.50 a pound.
The high price of copper makes the metal a target for criminals. Utility
companies and the construction industry have both been hit hard by copper
theft, which cost AT&T an estimated $6.7 million in 2007. In addition
to the high cost of replacing copper stolen from grounding wire, the theft
puts the safety of company employees at risk. Scrap metal recyclers are
also being hurt by copper theft, as they spend man hours working with
policy and money on new security measures. Many of the companies being
victimised by copper theft have difficulty protecting their networks because
they are so large.
Several security technology companies have developed new products designed
to prevent copper theft. RSI Video Technologies offers the Videofied wireless
surveillance camera system, which detects motion and sends a 10 second
video to a dispatcher at a central monitoring station. The system, which
retails for $2,800, has been purchased by major cell phone companies and
utilities.
Arteco is offering companies an Intelligent Video System that can create
a ‘virtual perimeter’ around an area, filtering out objects
other than people. Law enforcement officials are also taking steps to
crack down on copper theft, working with state legislators to increase
the maximum penalty for scrap metal theft.
Texas officials recently altered its penal code to make copper wiring
theft a felony.
Web: http://www.videofied.com
