Just a Suggestion:Theft

I was going to look at a rig this past spring and the owner said I would have to wait until it was repaired. I asked why and she said the storage yard had been hit and the power cord was cut off. They didn't break inside any of them, they just cut the heavy shore cables or broke open the storage compartments of the rigs with detachable cords.

So where do the copper cords go? They go to the scrap buyers and they know dang good a well that they are stolen. Who comes across 50 RV power cords and takes them to the scrap yard?


Neighbors old aluminum boat was stolen. He mentioned keeping an eye out for it and of course he called the sheriff. I laughed and said you will never find it....the crack heads took it. They dont want to go fishing, it's in the scrap yard.

I had the power cord for our truck camper cut off in the side yard AT THE HOUSE and it was plugged in.
Too bad they weren't killed; would have served them right.
Now that takes some gall!
Sherriff stated they wanted the copper for drug money.

One of the interesting things about Copper theft.. I took a friend to the scrap yard to dispose of some copper wire.. They took his ID, Driver's license and such and even recorded MY car's license plate. One wonders how they get away with it.

Changing locks helps, improved locks help. But alas, nothign is 100%, they will always figure out a way to get in if they really want to.

Forget the DOG, BEWARE THE OWNER

that might work,, provided you are "in residence" when they break in (And quickly depart).

I have been a LEO for over 30 years, the scrap business is booming and thieves are taking full advantage of it.

Johnnie

The storage facility where we keep ours was broken into about 5 yrs ago and again about 3 yrs ago. Oddly enough they did not take any power cords off the units that were plugged in. Or any propane tanks. They did take my 50 amp cord, but only because it was in the basement. Did not bother the 30 amp cord I was using for power.
Most units they just forced the basement doors open with a screwdriver or something, and did not even damage the doors. Shows how strong the locks are. Took mostly tools and small items. Did not bother an air compressor I had there.
Did not get inside mine, but two nearby they just broke out the door windows, reached in and unlocked the deadbolt, and forced the door open, and took TVs, DVD players/sound systems, other electronics, and any thing else they could find of any value.
I now have my name and ID number etched and/or painted on everything and serial numbers written down of everything that has one.

I talked to a friend of mine who has a very large farm here in eastern Oregon about the theft of wire from the circle sprinklers in the fields. they had a lot of trouble with crack heads stealing the copper wire from them but now Oregon has a law that requires all salvage yards to record who what and where before they give out money or take any thing in now. wire theft came to a screeching halt around here.

Laws? I know someone who went to a scrap yard with about 400 pounds of cast iron sewer drain pipe. The guy said need a building permit to order to drop the pipe off and be paid for it. Well, what does every do it your selfer do at that point?

He thinks oh no now what do I do? The friendly scrap dealer has an answer because he knows the look on your face and that deer in the headlight look!!! He says if you want to throw it over there in the corner I'll have old Joe slip it into one of the gondolas but I cant pay you for it. Ok Ok Thanks mister scrap yard man, thanks!!

wa8yxm wrote:
One of the interesting things about Copper theft.. I took a friend to the scrap yard to dispose of some copper wire.. They took his ID, Driver's license and such and even recorded MY car's license plate. One wonders how they get away with it.

Changing locks helps, improved locks help. But alas, nothign is 100%, they will always figure out a way to get in if they really want to.

Forget the DOG, BEWARE THE OWNER

that might work,, provided you are "in residence" when they break in (And quickly depart).

You're getting full price for your copper. The skells selling the power cords are getting pennies on the dollar. Of course, there are honest scrap yards but the skells know where the dis-honest ones are.

k1hog wrote:
I have been a LEO for over 30 years, the scrap business is booming and thieves are taking full advantage of it.

Johnnie

Pickup tailgate "business" has been booming for as long (or longer than) copper re-sales.

Better return for (usually) *WAY* less effort.

~

k1hog wrote:
I have been a LEO for over 30 years, the scrap business is booming and thieves are taking full advantage of it.

Johnnie

I just retired. Most of the scrap places are so crooked. Not too long ago, I had a call where some fools were stealing manhole covers. I went directly to the closest scrap yard before even making the scene. Yup, manhole covers in their backseat. Crack is a wonderful thing isn't it.