As both the price of copper and unemploymentrates rise, the increase in theftsof this and other metals looms large for insurers and risk managersas vacant buildings and construction sites are being stripped ofwiring, pipes and other copper-containing elements.

These thefts aren't just impacting the commercialsector, either: Thieves are also breaking into vacanthomes, stealing anything that can be quickly turned over for profitor sold for scrap metal.

I know this firsthand because a small, now-vacant home inwestern North Carolina, owned by my family for generations, wasrecently targeted.

Among other items, thieves stole major appliances as well as awall-heating unit and a heavy, wood-burning stove—all things thatcould be quickly sold for scrap metal, often with no questionsasked.

What alerted my family to the robbery was the fact that theelectric bill was zero for two months. When the power companychecked the house, they discovered that the copper wiring had beenstripped from the box. No electricity, no bill.

Because of the dramatic rise in the cost of metals, even asmall, modest home that is hardly noticeable became a target forburglars.

It stands to reason that a large, empty, commercial buildingwould be a virtual copper mine to thieves. This means that riskmanagers must take extra precautions and be vigilant, making suretheir property is secure.

While costs of security and coverage will nodoubt rise as a result of this criminal trend, the alternative isbuildings rendered useless, stripped of all wiring,air-conditioning units and anything else seen of value.

The good news is that detectives in this area of North Carolinasay they have located two theft rings targeting empty homes. Oneman in custody was thought to have worked with a group that robbedour house and others in the vicinity as well.

The bad news is that this won't bring back the stolen items orthe damage done to the premises.

Caroline McDonald

Assistant Managing Editor