Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29, according to Wikipedia. Moreover, it is a ductile metal with an excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Nowadays, it is also becoming a hot commodity.
The resurgence of China and India has created an increase demand for copper. According to the FBI, as the global supply of copper continues to tighten, the market for illicit copper will likely increase. This has created an increase in the price of the metal by more than 500 percent from 2001 until 2008.
This could come as good news for the industries that sale copper. However, it is not good news for the infrastructure of the United States. This situation has created an illegal black market that it is affecting great parts of the United States. For instance, the FBI reports that a month earlier in Polk County, Florida, nearly 4,000 residents were left without power after thieves stripped copper wire from a transformer at an electric company facility. Estimated losses: $500,000. Not to mention the homeowner hassles.
An agent who specializes in major theft crimes states the following:
“On the surface, it could be a relatively small theft.” “But the public safety impact could be significant.” “And while copper thieves may not intend to compromise critical infrastructure, they can still be charged with more weighty federal crimes.”
In conclusion, the next time your electricity fails, it might not be the fault of the company in charge of providing your electricity. It might well be a thief stealing your electricity provider’s copper wires.
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