Copper theft has become a frequent danger that many businesses have to deal with, and theft of copper, particularly, has become one of the most prevalent crimes in this area.

Why is the theft of copper so significant? One reason is that copper’s value has been increasing over the last few years. For instance, the daily COMEX copper price per pound was over $3.50 in 2021 and peaked at $4.76 as of writing. Thus, copper’s value has increased (even when used as scrap), has expanded its value, and made it desirable to thieves.

There is also an enormous need for copper, particularly from emerging nations like China and India. Unfortunately, this constant demand has led to a thriving international copper market and the rise of gangs, criminal syndicates, and embezzlers who want to capitalize on this market for their profits.

The main point is that the theft of copper is becoming more well-known every day. So, what can you do to help protect your business from this risk with this in mind? Below, we provide four strategies that can be helpful.

1. Use Subterfuge to maintain privacy

Privacy is among the most fundamental tenets of a secure security system. If copper thieves aren’t aware that your company has vast amounts of steel and copper, they will not make it an easy potential target.

One of the easiest yet effective ways to keep the privacy of your copper parts is to cover them in black, making them appear like normal (relatively valueless) tubing instead of precious pieces of metal.

2. Put a physical barrier around your copper

The areas that contain items made of copper are the most obvious targets for burglaries. Based on the item’s value, you might find that a fence or another kind of physical barrier is worth the cost. For example, heat exchangers utilize copper in various high-efficiency air conditioning units found in commercial structures. Unfortunately, the amount of copper that used in these units doesn’t add up to much. In reality, the price results from parts declared non-operational (due to theft) and the time required to replace the units.

3. Install Security Alarms and Cameras

Alarms are among the most effective ways to deter thieves from committing a crime, and you can also catch them in the act. There are a variety of available alarms (hard-wired wireless, hard-wired professional monitored, etc.).

Selecting the best one depends on where you can get copper, the objects containing copper, and how much you can (and should) spend on an alarm system. For example, for heating and cooling units, you might want to select an alarm activated upon the end of the workday.

Additionally, security cameras can assist law enforcement officials in identifying the perpetrators in the event of a crime. Perhaps the most significant benefit well-placed security cameras offer is the ability to stop possible criminal activities from happening in the first place. Deterrence is the primary component of the U.K.’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) methodology. Therefore, it must be considered as a priority when designing any security strategy. In real terms, the surveillance cameras that are visible around the boundaries of your company could cause copper thieves to find a better target in other areas.

4. Employ a professional security firm

There is no physical security system complete without skilled professionals who monitor the property on a 24-hour basis. Therefore, contracting a reputable security company can drastically reduce the chance of theft of copper. Additionally, it can provide security that comes from knowing that your company is in good in the hands of a reliable security firm.

Research has shown that security companies are highly sought-after. In 2020, for instance, the private security sector was an estimated 240 billion dollars of global business, which is more than the total GDP for 100 nations. Moreover, in three countries (China, India, and the United States), private security guards were more numerous than police officers. At present, there are over 1.1 million private security guards in the United States have over 1.1 million private security guards, but only 666,000 police officers.

As the global market evolves, the need for privacy security will grow. If you wish to learn more about how to implement adequate security measures to protect yourself from the theft of copper, speak to our experts now. We’ll gladly provide you with an option that is compatible with your requirements and budget.