“METAL THEFT EPIDEMIC …prevention, recommendations, and reporting”

The President’s Lead by Bill Signorelli, CPP

Copper wire, scrap metal, your window a/c, gravesite urns, communication tower, and railroad tie plates are just a few examples of the target of the opportunistic metal thieves. The old adage “if it’s not nailed down” doesn’t even apply anymore. The culprits are getting more and more brazen in their illegal activities. These thefts are costing businesses and consumers millions, if not billions, of dollars annually. Therefore, serious attention is now being given by power companies, coal mines, the construction industry, communication companies, and even the railroads to address the growing issue. In a recent article in CSO magazine, Michael Lynch, Security Manager, for DTE Energy discussed the metal theft matter for his Michigan utility firm. Lynch stated that copper thefts have accelerated greatly to over 400 incidents per year and costing more than $12 million to restore service to their electric customers. Security America recently dedicated its June, 2008 edition of “Security Update” to preventing scrap metal losses. We have reached epidemic proportions with these thefts nationally and action is needed now.

Recommendations to deter, detect, and prevent metal thefts:
•  Conduct a basic site physical security survey/audit, and use the resulting report to make recommendations to upper management for actions;
•  Review and strengthen inventory controls, and ID critical & vulnerable assets;
•  Diligent observation daily of your site while documenting movement or missing materials or machinery;
•  Additional security patrolling to deter and detect illegal activities;
•  Assure proper background check of your employees and contractor employees;
•  Erecting proper 7-foot, 9 gauge perimeter security fencing with ground lead wire and barbed wire Y-shaped top guards;
•  Clear growth off of fence lines, and eliminate decorative plants and foliage near fence lines and buildings to improve visibility;
•  Check for placement of adequate lighting. This your best and most cost effective deterrent to possible intruders;
•  Review your premises for needs of both physical and electronic access control measures;
•  Post “no trespassing” and “security patrol” signage as a warning;
•  Utilize visible employee and visitor ID badges thus alerting staff to possible trespassers;
•  Update security officer procedures and visible patrols;
•  Employ “closed circuit TV” systems with continuous, back-up recording capabilities, especially in high target areas;
•  Establish an anonymous tip line;
•  Offer a reward program for tips and information on criminal activities;
•  Establish a solid relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies;
•  Get acquainted with the local recycling and scrap metal facilities so they can identify your materials and products, and how to contact you;
•  Conduct employee awareness programs to gain cooperation of your staff by explaining the impact of these losses on your business and their jobs; and
•  Report metal theft activities and losses to the proper authorities. These criminals often work geographically and coordinated information may lead to their apprehension.

Resources / Information / Contacts:
•  Security America Consulting Services - 800-832-6732 or www.securityamerica.com
•  AcreeDaily Integrated Systems – 304-422-6018, or www.acreedaily.com
•  Jerry Cole, US AG office, WV Joint Information Fusion Center, 304-340-2346, or jerry.cole@usdoj.gov
•  James Nagle, Mine Theft reporting, 304-855-7080, or www.minetheft.com
•  Tom Kirk, WV DMA&HS Fusion Center 304-558-4831, www.wvdmaps.gov
•  National Insurance Crime Bureau, 304-743-6940, www.ncib.org
•  Gary McGraw, American Electric Power, 304-256-2707, or glmcgraw@aep.com
•  WV Professional Recyclers Association, www.recycle.net/assn/ara030

Constant Diligence!!