Copper theft is a growing problem for businesses. Copper wiring, piping, and fixtures in publicly accessible areas can be stolen and sold for cash. While this is good news for individuals who don’t care about felony records or jail time, it is important for business owners and managers to protect these assets.
Copper thieves often return to the same area more than once to harvest more and more. Keep in communication with surrounding businesses and be aware of the outside areas of your own business. Copper cables for a subway system were stolen over the course of time, eventually catching up with the rail system and stranding passengers. Closer monitoring of the area could have prevented the loss of over 500 feet of copper cable.
Businesses and churches have been victimized more and more by copper theft recently. Theft doesn’t just happen at night, either. During the middle of a business day, criminals could stop in unnoticed and steal the copper out of an HVAC unit.
Commercial HVAC Systems at Risk
Commercial HVAC systems are at specific risk for copper theft. These systems, with many copper components, are always outdoors. There are a few methods to prevent or deter theft. Criminals do not like to be seen, so a quick deterrent is to put up motion-sensor lighting around the HVAC units. Motion-sensor lighting isn’t foolproof, but will help.
Writing identifying markings, like a company symbol, name, or phone number on your copper can make a big difference in preventing theft as well. If the copper is very clearly someone else’s property, workers at recycle centers will call the police and report copper theft. Marking your copper will make it much less attractive to potential thieves.
Security cameras are great deterrents as well. Stealing copper isn’t a hasty ordeal, so most thieves will go on to a more private location instead of risking being caught. Even fake security cameras are better than nothing.
An HVAC alarm can be installed on the system. These alarms will alert police if the electricity is disconnected from the HVAC unit. This method of protecting your HVAC virtually stops thieves in their tracks because with power still connected to the HVAC unit any attempted theft will result in electrocution.
Air conditioning cages also work very well to protect the systems. These cages offer an initial investment of a few hundred dollars per unit, but there isn’t any ongoing expense. And when compared to being victimized by copper theft, the price isn’t too bad. This option may not be aesthetically pleasing, but it works very well to protect company assets.
Ask your local HVAC contractor to help you install an alarm or cage to protect your unit. This can often be worked in with your next routine maintenance.
