High Prices for Metal Spur Rise in Copper Theft

Copper thefts are on the rise and have been for some time, according to the New York Times. 

The Times, as well as the website CopperTheft.info credit the near-record high prices for metals, including copper. 

Lutherville-Timonium hasn't been immune to this national trend. 

As recently as Sept. 16, police were called to the 1500 block of Dulaney Valley Road in Lutherville to . In mid-August, from county work sites and selling it for cash. 

Baltimore County Police Capt. Martin Lurz has urged residents with copper material, such as wires or piping, affixed to the exterior of their homes to be vigilant. 

“Stealing copper can be pretty big because of the amount of resale value returned from this stuff is up to 80 percent. That’s a good chunk of the original value,” Lurz told Cockeysville Patch editor Nayana Davis in April.

“We usually believe that it’s one person who gets the idea to steal copper when they find out about the value of it and they go on a rampage,” he continued. 

There is a law in Maryland that requires identification of people attempting to sell metals to pawn shops. But copper thefts persist. 

The blog SalvageAmerica.us offers the following tips for protecting yourself against copper theft.