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Just curious

By Amy H. Guinn

Real Estate Agent with EXIT Realty Platinum

April 13, 2008 08:48 AM

Copper theft, it is rampant here in our area. If there is a vacant house, sooner or later it will be a target. The removal of HVAC units, plumbing pipes and electrical wiring for their copper content has become more than irritating. I just wondered if other areas are experiencing this like we are and what can be done to prevent it other than locks on crawl spaces. It is costing our sellers thousands to replace the items that are stolen. It makes me pretty disgusted to think of the small amount of money the thieves are receiving in comparison to what it costs to repair their damage, not to mention having to tell sellers or buyers from other areas this is a reality here and wondering what their reaction will be.

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Mary Strang

Viroqua, WI

Hello Amy, It is a problem in many areas, the amazing thing is it seems like a lot of work to de-install the copper too, so it must be very profitable. I don't know what the price is for copper? Fortunately most new homes now are using plastic tubing for plumbing.

Apr 13, 2008 08:54 AM

Don Rogers

Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO

Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Amy, It is horrible here in the St. Louis market and getting worse.

Don R.

Apr 13, 2008 09:04 AM

Tony Fantis

Fantis Group Real Estate - Salt Lake City, UT

Realtor,Principal Broker - Salt Lake City

Maybe they could take out the copper when they move out, sell it, and replace it with plastic? I don't know if there is an easy solution.

Apr 13, 2008 09:24 AM

Sean Allen

International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL

International Financing Solutions

HHHmmm, I would venture to say that as the value of copper and other metals rise, so will the theft of items make from that metal.

Apr 13, 2008 09:31 AM

Jimmy McCall

JimmyMcCall.com - Cunningham, TN

The Ex-Mortgage Consultant

Amy, It has happened here but sporadic. We have had more appliances stolen in new construction.

Apr 13, 2008 03:13 PM

Charles Odom

Positive Properties LLC - Laurinburg, NC

Hi Amy,

That seems to be a problem here in Scotland County too. One of the Rental homes that I own has been vacant for several months while having extensive repairs and the AC unit was stripped of the copper coil. Although the thief probably made 20 or 30 dollars, I will have to pay a whole lot more for a replacement unit. I know of another home owner with a vacant home in the area has had copper theft too. I wish there were a way to put a stop to that nonsense. It looks like the neighbors would try and look out for one another. They must not realize that the thief will take their belongings too if their house becomes vacant for what ever reason, vacation, emergency, etc. Sooner or later, a house will be vacatant for some period of time, and if there is a thief familiar with the neighborhood, it's just a matter of time before they will strike again.

May 02, 2008 11:51 AM

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Amy H. Guinn

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