[TowerTalk] Copper wire theft

[kq2m at kq2m.com]

There was a big problem in 2011 when Copper futures first approached $5 
/ lb and retail prices approached $10/ lb.  Thefts of copper plumbing 
from commercial buildings and vacant apartment buildings all over the US 
became rampant.  In other countries it was far worse.

In early 2022, widespread theft of Copper became commonplace again as 
Copper futures spiked to $4.68 / lb.

https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/copper

It is predicted that copper shortages will develop and become more 
frequent in the future as worldwide demand grows and the approval of and 
supply from new mines continues to lag increases in demand.  You can 
imagine what might happen to Copper prices in the future and the 
resultant increase in theft.

Bob, KQ2M

On 2023-12-25 15:43, Steve Maki wrote:

> In India they are taking the whole cell site, including the tower.
> 
> https://wirelessestimator.com/articles/2023/thieves-find-it-more-profitable-in-india-to-steal-the-entire-cell-site-instead-of-stripping-cable/
> 
> -Steve K8LX
> 
> On 12/25/23 2:37 PM, Radio KH6O wrote:
> 
>> Your tower might be an invitation to copper wire thieves:
>> 
>> https://insidetowers.com/copper-is-being-ripped-out-coast-to-coast/
>> 
>> We had an incident in Honolulu where someone tried to steal LIVE
>> high-voltage wiring; the guy ended up being a charred pile of ash. 
>> Bummer
>> for him.