Cooper Pipe Thieves Pry on Empty Homes

Gutting a property for its copper pipes — a crime that has spread across the United States as the economy slows and homes stand empty and vulnerable, takes in Lansing Michigan also. I recently had a listing victimized by those nasty theives. I appears to be something taking place primarily on vacant homes. It’s a shame that people are so desparate to steal copper piping.

Ben Edsall Turn-Key Properties LLC, Kansas City Investment Property wrote a nice post sometime back that goes into more detail on ActiveRain.

Reauters also broke a story saying: Similar stories are unfolding nationwide as a glut of home foreclosures coincides with record highs in the price of copper and other metals.

Real estate brokers and local authorities say once-proud homes coast-to-coast are being stripped for copper, aluminum, and brass by thieves. Much of it ends up with scrap metal traders who say nearly all copper gets shipped overseas, much of it to China and India.

Secure your vacant home with good locks, lots of lights, security systems and signs that will scare off theives or at least make them think twice abiut burgerlizing your vacant house. Also having alert neighbors who will keep their eye open for any strange visitors.

 “Expect the Best” Mike