Copper is the new gold.

With increased demand in the U.S. and overseas, the price of copper remains high, which has created a rash of copper thefts.  Construction sites, apartment buildings, warehouses, and vacant homes are regularly plundered for copper pipes and wiring.  The government has attempted to crack down by requiring copper buyers to hold new material for several days and log sellers’ names and addresses. But with simple, common sense action, property managers can help prevent copper theft before it occurs.

Secure your property as much as possible. Post “No Trespassing” signs and lock buildings at night. Consider installing security cameras, motion detectors, and/or hiring security guards. Measures like this are especially important if your property is large or if new construction is taking place. However, even the smallest building contains a wealth of copper in plumbing, HVAC units, gutters, and electrical components. When feasible, isolate utilities/pipes behind fences, locks, or otherwise out of sight. Investigate the cost-effectiveness of replacing copper pipe with PVC pipe. We’ve done this at many of our properties and found it works particularly well with HVAC condensation lines, although PVC can deteriorate when exposed to sunlight.

Mark large copper components with an engraving tool or fluorescent/UV-sensitive paint. Painted copper is less valuable to recyclers, so many thieves won’t bother with it. If it does get stolen, it’s more likely to be returned to you.

Copper theft can be costly to restore, so make sure your insurance covers it. Theft can also lead to expensive construction delays, so verify that contractors are properly insured and quiz them about how they prevent theft from job sites. There’s no fool-proof way to prevent copper theft, but the tougher you make it for thieves, the more likely they’ll pass you by.