Since the price of copper has increased dramatically over the past 3 years, copper theft has become a national problem that effects millions of people in a most personal manor.  The dynamics of supply and demand shows that US copper production has been falling short by over a hundred tons annually.  Partly due to rising industrialization in India and China. The result has also increased the secondary market value of salvage metal businesses, who ship massive amounts of it to China for processing. 

The endemic crime spree involving copper theft has manifested in the form of missing water pipes and air conditioning condenser coils.  Especially susceptible are vacant rental properties, homes for sale, and industrial areas where there may be vacant warehouses and factories.  Detroit has been especially hard hit as the result of an industrial decline.

In 2007, Lt. Gov. James Aiona signed a bill making copper theft a felony after more than a year of brazen thefts on Oahu. There have been sting operations, such as the one in Seattle last year, in which a large salvage company accepted a variety of copper components bearing city identification tags.  During the arrest, the owner's wife was quoted as chastising undercover agents for not first removing the tags. 

My company has received several contracts to replace copper pipes in lower income neighborhoods, where this problem seems to be prevalent.  My advice always, is to replace copper with flexible polyethylene pipe.  It's an excellent product that is durable and easy to install with a ring crimp tool.

Several ways to avoid and prevent this type of theft; (1.) increase exterior lighting and secure rear doors and windows, especially basement entrance, (2.) have a neighbor keep an eye on the property, (3.) install a monitored security system, (4.) have a welder build a wrought iron cage with a lock around the exterior condenser unit.