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The good news is that copper thefts around the region have declined. The bad news is why they've declined: It's due to worldwide weakening economies that have forced copper prices to tumble from a high of about $4 a pound in July to less than half that today.

Thieves are learning copper isn't worth stealing anymore -- at least for now, says Kendell Brown of the Richmond County Sheriff's Copper/Metal Task Force. At the height of the copper-stealing epidemic, Brown's unit was getting 40 cases a month; now it's about half that.

What's particularly disturbing about copper thefts is the thousands of dollars in property destruction caused in the act of stealing it. When copper prices were flying high, hundreds of air conditioning units in businesses and homes were destroyed each month. Thieves would strip the metal from wherever they could; nothing was off limits.

The Metal Task Force is grateful for the breather, but recessions don't last. The task force plans to be prepared for when the economy, and thefts, pick up.

Comments

patriciathomas

When the evil rich share their ill gotten gains with the less fortunate, all theft will end. Spread the wealth. It's good for all.

I4PUTT

If these thieves can just wait until Jan 20. President Elect Obama will make sure the cost of copper is raised to reward these enterprising young men.

rufus

Is my check going to go out on the 20th?

HYPOCRITES 08

Does it usually go out on the 20th?

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