Hot metal

Copper thefts rise as fast as prices

As the snow recedes and temperatures rise, many seasonal and part-time residents are returning to their County homes and cottages to find a nasty surprise. Copper thieves have been busy stripping copper pipe from many area homes and construction sites this past winter.

More than 31 thefts of copper have been reported so far—more are expected as residents return to open cottages and summer homes. “[Thieves] come in here in the winter because they know it is a quiet community this time of year. There are a lot of homes left empty for the winter—I think this is why we are a primary target. But it is right across the region. We are not alone.”

The thieves are motivated by the current record high price for copper. For much of the past two decades the commodity has traded in a narrow range around US$100 per pound. But since 2006 copper prices have bounced around sharply and the base metal is currently getting more than US$4.50 per pound.

This high price of copper makes it particularly lucrative for thieves to break into homes or crawl into cottages to cut out and steal the plumbing. The OPP believe these thieves are organized and targeting seasonal communities across eastern Ontario.

“It is a problem right across the east region,” said Guthrie. “I don’t believe they are local—there may be some opportunists at work in some isolated incidences but we believe this is more organized.”

So who is being targeted?

New homes under construction are particularly vulnerable, according to Guthrie.

“These are beautiful targets,” said Guthrie. “They don’t have to tear apart walls or floors to get at the pipe. It is also still very clean—meaning it will command a higher price.” Cottages and summer homes are also vulnerable.

“People who are away from home for a length of time— whether they stay seasonally or part-time or in homes that have been abandoned.”

The south part of the County has been particularly hard hit this winter—as the roads are lightly traveled this time of year.

Guthrie advises seasonal residents to take a look around their property before turning the water on this spring. She predicts the number or reported copper thefts will rise as cottagers and summer home residents return in the next few weeks and months.

For now, Guthrie says reports of copper thefts have tapered off in recent days.

“The bad guys know we are onto them,” said Guthrie. “Our patrols have increased and we are focused on vehicular traffic after dark.”

Guthrie says there are steps homeowners can take to discourage copper thieves.

“Arrange to have your driveway plowed during the winter months when you are away,” said Guthrie. “Have your neighbours go in and out of your driveway after a snow storm. Make it look as though the place is being lived in regularly.”

As is the case with many things in rural areas, neighbours looking after neighbours and their property is likely the best defence against copper thieves.