Problem-Oriented Guides for Police

Problem-Specific Guides Series

No. 58

Theft of Scrap Metal

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

Brandon R. Kooi

www.cops.usdoj.gov

Problem-Oriented Guides for Police 

Problem-Specific Guides Series

Guide No. 58

Theft of Scrap Metal

Brandon R. Kooi

This project was supported by cooperative agreement 

2007-CK-WX-K008 by the Office of Community Oriented 

Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions 

contained herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily 

represent the official position of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

References to specific companies, products, or services should not 

be considered an endorsement of the product by the author or the 

U.S. Department of Justice. Rather, the references are illustrations 

to supplement discussion of the issues. 

The Internet references cited in this publication were valid as of 

January 2010. Given that URLs and web sites are in constant flux, 

neither the author(s) nor the COPS Office can vouch for their 

current validity.

© 2010 Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, Inc. The U.S. 

Department of Justice reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and 

irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and 

authorize others to use, this publication for federal government 

purposes. This publication may be freely distributed and used for 

noncommercial and educational purposes.

www.cops.usdoj.gov

ISBN: 978-1-935676-12-6

April 2010

About the Problem-Specific Guides Series i About the Problem-Specific Guides Series i

About the Problem-Specific Guide Series

The Problem-Specific Guides summarize knowledge about how 

police can reduce the harm caused by specific crime and disorder 

problems. They are guides to prevention and to improving the 

overall response to incidents, not to investigating offenses or 

handling specific incidents. Neither do they cover all of the 

technical details about how to implement specific responses. The 

guides are written for police—of whatever rank or assignment—

who must address the specific problem the guides cover. The guides 

will be most useful to officers who:

•	 Understand basic problem-oriented policing principles and 

methods. The guides are not primers in problem-oriented 

policing. They deal only briefly with the initial decision to 

focus on a particular problem, methods to analyze the problem, 

and means to assess the results of a problem-oriented policing 

project. They are designed to help police decide how best to 

analyze and address a problem they have already identified. 

(A companion series of Problem-Solving Tools guides has been 

produced to aid in various aspects of problem analysis and 

assessment.)

•	 Can look at a problem in depth. Depending on the complexity 

of the problem, you should be prepared to spend perhaps weeks, 

or even months, analyzing and responding to it. Carefully 

studying a problem before responding helps you design the right 

strategy, one that is most likely to work in your community. 

You should not blindly adopt the responses others have used; 

you must decide whether they are appropriate to your local 

situation. What is true in one place may not be true elsewhere; 

what works in one place may not work everywhere.

•	 Are willing to consider new ways of doing police business. 

The guides describe responses that other police departments 

have used or that researchers have tested. While not all of these 

responses will be appropriate to your particular problem, they 

should help give a broader view of the kinds of things you 

could do. You may think you cannot implement some of these 

responses in your jurisdiction, but perhaps you can. In many 

places, when police have discovered a more effective response, 
ii Theft of Scrap Metal

they have succeeded in having laws and policies changed, 

improving the response to the problem. (A companion series of 

Response Guides has been produced to help you understand how 

commonly-used police responses work on a variety of problems.) 

•	 Understand the value and the limits of research knowledge.

For some types of problems, a lot of useful research is available 

to the police; for other problems, little is available. Accordingly, 

some guides in this series summarize existing research whereas 

other guides illustrate the need for more research on that 

particular problem. Regardless, research has not provided 

definitive answers to all the questions you might have about the 

problem. The research may help get you started in designing 

your own responses, but it cannot tell you exactly what to do. 

This will depend greatly on the particular nature of your local 

problem. In the interest of keeping the guides readable, not 

every piece of relevant research has been cited, nor has every 

point been attributed to its sources. To have done so would have 

overwhelmed and distracted the reader. The references listed at 

the end of each guide are those drawn on most heavily; they are 

not a complete bibliography of research on the subject. 

•	 Are willing to work with others to find effective solutions 

to the problem. The police alone cannot implement many of 

the responses discussed in the guides. They must frequently 

implement them in partnership with other responsible private 

and public bodies including other government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private businesses, public utilities, 

community groups, and individual citizens. An effective 

problem-solver must know how to forge genuine partnerships 

with others and be prepared to invest considerable effort in 

making these partnerships work. Each guide identifies particular 

individuals or groups in the community with whom police 

might work to improve the overall response to that problem. 

Thorough analysis of problems often reveals that individuals 

and groups other than the police are in a stronger position to 

address problems and that police ought to shift some greater 

responsibility to them to do so. Response Guide No. 3, Shifting 

and Sharing Responsibility for Public Safety Problems, provides 

further discussion of this topic.
About the Problem-Specific Guides Series iii

The COPS Office defines community policing as “a philosophy 

that promotes organizational strategies, which support the 

systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, 

to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to 

public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.” 

These guides emphasize problem-solving and police-community 

partnerships in the context of addressing specific public safety 

problems. For the most part, the organizational strategies that can 

facilitate problem-solving and police-community partnerships vary 

considerably and discussion of them is beyond the scope of these 

guides.

These guides have drawn on research findings and police practices 

in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New 

Zealand, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Even though laws, 

customs and police practices vary from country to country, it is 

apparent that the police everywhere experience common problems. 

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, it is 

important that police be aware of research and successful practices 

beyond the borders of their own countries.

Each guide is informed by a thorough review of the research 

literature and reported police practice, and each guide is 

anonymously peer-reviewed by a line police officer, a police 

executive and a researcher prior to publication. The review process 

is independently managed by the COPS Office, which solicits the 

reviews. 
iv Theft of Scrap Metal

For more information about problem-oriented policing, visit the 

Center for Problem-Oriented Policing online at www.popcenter.org. 

This website offers free online access to:

•	 the Problem-Specific Guides series,

•	 the companion Response Guides and Problem-Solving Tools series, 

•	 special publications on crime analysis and on policing terrorism,

•	 instructional information about problem-oriented policing and 

related topics,

•	 an interactive problem-oriented policing training exercise,

•	 an interactive Problem Analysis Module,

•	 online access to important police research and practices, and

•	 information about problem-oriented policing conferences and 

award programs. 
Acknowledgments v

Acknowledgments

The Problem-Oriented Guides for Police are produced by the 

Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, whose officers are Michael 

S. Scott (Director), Ronald V. Clarke (Associate Director), and 

Graeme R. Newman (Associate Director). In addition to the 

primary author, other project team members, COPS Office staff, 

and anonymous peer reviewers contributed to each guide by 

proposing text, recommending research, and offering suggestions 

on matters of format and style. 

The project team that developed the guide series comprised 

Herman Goldstein (University of Wisconsin Law School), 

Ronald V. Clarke (Rutgers University), John E. Eck (University 

of Cincinnati), Michael S. Scott (University of Wisconsin Law 

School), Rana Sampson (Police Consultant), and Deborah Lamm 

Weisel (North Carolina State University). 

Members of the San Diego; National City, California; and 

Savannah, Georgia police departments provided feedback on the 

guide’s format and style in the early stages of the project.

Debra Cohen, PhD oversaw the project for the COPS Office. 

Phyllis Schultze conducted research for the guide at Rutgers 

University’s Criminal Justice Library. Nancy Leach coordinated 

the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing’s production process. 

Suzanne Fregly edited this guide.

Contents vii

contents

About the Problem-Specific Guide Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v

The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

What This Guide Does and Does Not Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

General Description of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Harms Caused by Scrap Metal Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Factors Contributing to Scrap Metal Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

International Industrialization and the Metals Market . . . . . . . . . . .4

Property Foreclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

The Problem Analysis Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Motivated Offenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Understanding Your Local Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Stakeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Asking the Right Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Targets/Locations/Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Offenders (Thieves and Sellers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Offenders (Buyers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Current Responses to the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Measuring Your Effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

General Considerations for an Effective Response Strategy . . . . . . . . .22

Specific Responses To Reduce Scrap Metal Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Increasing the Effort Required To Steal Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Increasing Offenders’ Risks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Reducing the Rewards for Selling Stolen Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Removing Offenders’ Excuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Responses with Limited Effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Appendix: Summary of Responses to Scrap Metal Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Other Problem-Oriented Guides for Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 1

The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft

What This Guide Does and Does Not Cover

This guide begins by describing the problem of scrap metal theft 

and reviewing factors that increase its risk. It then identifies a 

series of questions to help you analyze your local scrap-metal theft 

problem. Finally, it reviews responses to the problem, and what is 

known about these responses from evaluative research and police 

practice.

While stolen precious metals include gold and silver—commonly 

targeted in residential burglaries—for the purposes of this guide, 

scrap metal theft includes mainly stolen copper, aluminum, brass, 

zinc, nickel, platinum, and bronze. These metals have value only 

when sold to a scrap metal dealer who arranges for the metal to 

be melted and reshaped for other uses. By contrast, gold and silver 

commonly have intrinsic value, either to the thief or to someone 

else who values the metal in its original shape.

Scrap metal theft is but one of the larger set of theft and sale of 

stolen property problems. This guide is limited to addressing the 

particular harms scrap metal theft causes. Related problems not 

directly addressed in this guide, each of which requires separate 

analysis, include:

•	 bicycle theft,

•	 burglary,

•	 shoplifting,

•	 stolen goods markets,

•	 theft from construction sites,

•	 theft from cafés and bars, 

•	 theft of and from vehicles, and 

•	 theft of outdoor household items.

Some of these related problems are covered in other guides in this 

series, all of which are listed at the end of this guide. For the most 

up-to-date listing of current and future guides, see 

www.popcenter.org. 
2 Theft of Scrap Metal

General Description of the Problem

Throughout the industrialized world, stealing valuable metal has 

become a serious concern for the police, businesses, public utilities, 

railroad companies, and the community at large. Collaborative 

efforts to combat metal theft have occurred for several decades.1

However, reports of dramatic increases in scrap metal theft 

are occurring throughout the world. While we cannot be sure 

about the exact amount of metal stolen in the United States, an 

examination of media reports in recent years showed increased 

scrap metal theft throughout the country, with some areas showing 

double and triple the amount of reported theft.2 The following 

news accounts exemplify the growth of the scrap metal theft 

problem:

•	 The Tucson Weekly (November 2006) reported a one-year 150 

percent increase in scrap metal theft.3

•	 The U.K.’s Guardian reported a fivefold rise in metal track theft, 

causing numerous delays and rising costs throughout the British 

railway network. Two months prior, the Guardian reported 

numerous Japanese playground slides’ being stolen.4 

•	 The Associated Press reported the beer keg industry is losing $50 

million a year as customers are forfeiting their cash deposits and 

taking their empty kegs to scrap dealers instead, or thieves are 

stealing unsecured empty kegs around taverns and restaurants.5 

•	 Reuters reports Russian police detained a 45-year-old city 

employee for stealing a bridge east of Moscow. The employee 

ripped the bridge down with his work truck, chopped up the 

metal, and sold it to a scrap yard.6

•	 The Dallas Morning News reported a 227 percent increase in 

scrap metal theft from 2005 to 2007.7

•	 The Associated Press reported that thieves were stealing vases 

bolted to West Virginia cemetery headstones and bronze 

markers on veterans’ graves. In addition, the article reported 

that thieves have stolen a half million dollars’ worth of brass 

ornaments from Chicago cemeteries.8 
The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 3

•	 The Boston Globe reported that fire departments across the 

country were reporting brass nuts’ missing from fire hydrants, 

raising concerns that hydrants wouldn’t work when needed.9

•	 Consumers Energy reported their Michigan utility outlets had 

suffered a 104 percent increase in copper theft during the first 

half of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007, creating 

serious infrastructure problems. The article pointed out these 

offenses may fall under federal terrorism legislation.10

•	 The Associated Press reported multiple police raids on six 

scrap yards owned by OmniSource, the largest scrap dealer in 

Indianapolis, after a year-long investigation. The company also 

employed 51 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers.11

Despite these dramatic headlines, a small percentage of scrap metal 

theft cases involve large amounts of metal. Instead, most involve 

small amounts taken in each incident, often with repeat victims. 

Utility companies are especially susceptible for repeat targeting, and 

when victimized pose critical threats to the country’s infrastructure. 

Harms Caused by Scrap Metal Theft

Economic consequences for scrap metal theft within utilities can 

be immense. According to perimeter security companies, the cost 

of repairing damaged transformers or substations can run anywhere 

from $500,000 to $11 million.12 Costs include:

•	 replacing any metal components stolen,

•	 repairing equipment damaged during the theft,

•	 repairing operating systems damaged because of stolen wires, 

•	 reimbursing customers inconvenienced or facing their own 

economic losses,

•	 covering revenue lost to the utility, and

•	 covering expenditure increases needed to cover loss and/or 

adding improved security surrounding the utility company. 
4 Theft of Scrap Metal

Damaged power equipment resulting from scrap metal theft also 

poses significant risk to utility repair teams as well as offenders. 

Petty-metal thieves who are drug addicts do not assess risk 

effectively when deciding to steal metal/copper from high-voltage 

substations, transformers, or electric high wires, and many have 

been electrocuted while trying to cut live wires from abandoned 

buildings and electric substations.13 

Factors Contributing to Scrap Metal Theft

No single factor accounts for the rise in scrap metal theft. Instead, a 

combination of high demand for metal on the international market, 

increased opportunities for offenders to target places and metal 

types not previously susceptible to theft, and weak regulation of the 

metals resale market have coincided to increase the scrap metal theft 

problem.

International Industrialization and the 

Metals Market 

In early 2002, copper’s price hit record lows, falling to 65 cents 

a pound on the London Metal Exchange. This changed as other 

Asian countries began to rapidly industrialize, with China 

receiving the most attention because of its 20 percent global copper 

consumption and Olympic preparation. Scrap materials became the 

second largest American export to China behind electronics.14 By 

mid-2006 copper was worth $4 a pound. Demand in Europe and 

the United States increased in 2003, driven by new construction 

and impending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2003, the four 

basic nonferrous or base metals—aluminum, copper, nickel and 

zinc—have been in high demand, and costs as well as demand have 

more or less continued to increase. 

The rise in scrap metal theft is driven by offenders’ recognition that 

ample metal supplies remain unguarded, and that the price of return 

remains historically high based on heavy international demand. 

The metal market conditions made unsecured metal susceptible to 

increased theft, while causing a boom in scrap metal exports that 

increased the scrap metal theft problem. According to the U.S. 
The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 5

International Trade Commission, the United States exported 6 

million tons of scrap metal to developing nations in 2000, and 

over 18 million tons in 2007.15 According to the American Scrap 

Coalition,§ scrap metal reached record levels of $600 a ton in 

2008.16 The international demand has exceeded the supply since 

2003, causing new financial opportunities for scrap metal thieves. 

However, the end of 2008 saw world market metal prices drop 

significantly, with the Chinese Olympics a distant memory and 

subsequent evidence that scrap metal theft has decreased. While 

international price drops may have resulted in decreased theft,17

some people claim that changed state legislation with increased 

reporting of purchases has also impacted theft. However, not all 

states have instituted legislation aimed at scrap dealers, and federal 

legislation is still pending. Moreover, the United States continues to 

export large quantities of scrap metal internationally, and demand 

continues. 

Other countries have put their scrap metal dealers out of business 

by refusing to allow them to export their product. For example, 

some African countries (e.g., Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya) suspended 

the export of scrap metal as a means to combat electrical and 

water equipment thefts that were causing critical infrastructure 

problems.18 A group of U.S. steel scrap industries created the 

American Scrap Coalition in response to global scrap-metal trade 

barriers. While the price of metal rose dramatically, many countries 

restricted their exports, but U.S. exports continued at record levels. 

The scrap metal supply did not keep pace with the international 

demand, causing a crisis of scrap metal availability and increased pay 

from scrap metal dealers. 

Property Foreclosures

The housing market crash began during the time metal prices 

remained high. Consequently, thieves found the copper piping 

coming from plumbing, telephone lines, and heating/airconditioning systems in several foreclosed properties to be worth 

more than the property itself, creating an environment ripe for 

increased theft and gutting of properties for precious metals.§§ 

§The American Scrap Coalition is a 

Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit 

corporation that replaced the 

Emergency Steel Scrap Coalition in 

2004. Founding members include the 

Steel Manufacturers Association, the 

American Foundry Society, and the 

National Precast Concrete Association. 

In all, more than 1,500 companies are 

members of these three associations.

§§Some foreclosed-property owners 

have resorted to posting signs on the 

property indicating there is no valuable 

metal piping in it, to at least try to 

discourage thieves from breaking in to 

find out.
6 Theft of Scrap Metal

Foreclosed homes as well as new construction sites become inviting 

targets to metal thieves by giving out environmental cues that the 

property is unprotected. Banks have denied loans to buyers of 

foreclosed properties if they know metal theft has occurred, since 

buyers are more likely to default with such properties, creating 

additional problems within the slumping housing market.19

The Problem Analysis Triangle

The problem analysis triangle is a useful framework for 

understanding scrap metal theft. 

Motivated Offenders

•	 Scrap dealers

•	 Drug addicts

•	 Opportunistic thieves

•	 Organized thieves

Targets

•	 Plumbing fixtures

•	 Any copper wiring/cables

•	 Air conditioners

•	 Utilities, electric substations

•	 Vehicle parts/catalytic converters

•	 Beer kegs

•	 Aluminum siding/gutters/roofs

•	 Bronze plaques/statues

•	 Manhole covers

Places

•	 Vacant/foreclosed housing

•	 Construction sites

•	 Playgrounds

•	 Taverns

•	 Churches, cemeteries

•	 Scrap dealers

Figure 1. A problem analysis triangle depicting general and specific causes of increased scrap metal theft.
The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 7

Motivated Offenders 

Scrap metal buyers provide the necessary link for creating profit 

from scrap metal theft. The scrap metal theft problem is driven 

entirely by the ability to sell stolen goods to recyclers, and often 

these recyclers facilitate crime. While there is some recognition 

that thieves distribute other stolen goods to friends/family,20 they 

are far more likely to sell stolen metal for cash at a scrap metal 

yard where they may or may not know the buyer. Communities 

struggling with metal theft may find it difficult to convince the 

public that the problem is serious. According to national crime 

survey data, receiving and selling stolen goods tends to be ranked 

as one of the least serious crimes,21 where buyers do not recognize 

the crime as much as “getting a good deal.”22 Communities 

confronting scrap metal theft problems should consider the 

different offenders working with scrap metal dealers for profit, and 

determine how these transactions can become more costly for both 

parties. 

Scrap metal buyers may determine the types of metal needed, as 

well as point out susceptible targets.23 Other dealers may be more 

passive, but nonetheless provide an outlet for stolen metal. When 

legitimate scrap metal dealers refuse to buy suspected stolen metal, 

thieves are likely to respond by seeking out a gray-market dealer 

who will pay considerably less cash. Larger scrap dealers often know 

and trust gray-market dealers, who profit after reselling the stolen 

metal that the larger dealers had originally turned down.24

Thieves and sellers of scrap metal succeed when they find 

vulnerable targets at particular places during particular times 

when capable guardianship is lacking. These offenders may not 

necessarily be seeking out metal, but instead happen upon unsecure 

sites where valuable metal is left out in the open. Those who know 

local scrap metal dealers who will not question where the metal 

came from will foresee the opportunity to sell the unsecured metal, 

if it is easy to do so.
8 Theft of Scrap Metal

Drug addicts, particularly crystal methamphetamine users, appear 

to be linked with specific types of scrap metal theft. To support 

their drug habits, they require repeated and quick access to small 

amounts of cash, which they can easily obtain by selling small 

amounts of stolen metal to scrap metal dealers.25 However, there is 

little doubt that other types of drug addicts also steal scrap metal to 

support their habits. 

Organized thieves are more likely to steal large hauls of copper 

wire, while opportunistic petty thieves are more likely responsible 

for the more hazardous thefts occurring from electric substations 

and utility poles. However, you should note that opportunistic 

offenders with knowledge of how to process stolen metal into 

cash with local scrap metal dealers are more likely to target large 

quantities of unsecured yet valuable metal. These opportunistic 

offenders are likely to be contractors, construction workers, scrap 

metal dealer employees, or juvenile offenders who randomly 

observe unsecured construction sites or vacant properties and sell 

valuable metals. 

Places

According to a 2007 report, copper theft is highest in Hawaii, 

Arizona, California and Oregon, and is increasing in the rural 

Midwest and South.26 Urban and warmer locations appear 

particularly susceptible to numerous thefts of small amounts of 

scrap metal by transient populations who often do not own a car. 

Communities without nearby scrap metal dealers are probably 

more secure from scrap metal theft than those with a ready supply 

of them. Scrap metal theft affects every state, and particular places 

within local communities are especially susceptible to it, such as the 

following:

Vacant and foreclosed properties are especially susceptible to 

theft because they often lack effective guardianship and are easily 

identifiable.
The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 9

Construction sites become susceptible to theft when contractors 

leave metal such as large spools of copper wire unsecured. While 

wire theft can occur almost anywhere, new construction sites and 

vacant housing are more-easily discernable targets.§ 

Playgrounds have been targeted by metal thieves for their metal 

slides and underground wiring that is difficult to secure.

Taverns that leave their empty beer kegs unsecured outside are 

theft targets and lose their deposits. 

Churches/cemeteries have been targets of metal thieves because 

of the value that metal roofs or bronze statues and plaques have to 

scrap dealers.

Scrap/salvage metal dealers often become targets of metal thieves 

if their inventory is left unsecured. Scrap metal dealers are in a 

peculiar position of both contributing as offenders and being victims

of scrap metal theft. Indeed, it becomes a challenge for the police 

and the wider community to determine which role each scrap metal 

dealer is playing, and it is likely that scrap metal dealers may be 

taking on both roles. Regardless, unregulated scrap metal dealers are 

likely to contribute to outlying community crime.

§See Problem-Specific Guide No. 

43, Burglary at Single-Family House 

Construction Sites, for further 

information.
10 Theft of Scrap Metal

In 1999, the Lancashire Constabulary, Kirkham Section, England, 

was named a finalist for the Tilley Award related to their efforts that 

shut down a scrap metal dealer. An analysis of the Nook scrap yard 

at Staining found the recycler frequently accepted stolen vehicles, 

had numerous confrontations with customers, frequently allowed 

entry in the evening hours past stated closing times, and produced 

numerous noise complaints. Police stopped and arrested a number of 

offenders throughout surrounding neighborhoods and at the scrap 

yard. These offenders did not live in the community and were in the 

area to sell stolen metal. An officer working on the Nook scrap yard 

problem looked into environmental issues related to the recycler 

and partnered with area residents to write numerous complaint 

letters detailing the late-night noise and presence of suspected metal 

thieves, and they sent the letters to “anyone they thought might be 

able to help.” Unsafely stacked cars caused environmental damage 

to a surrounding marsh, resulting in the scrap yard’s being shut 

down. A follow-up assessment showed a 45 percent reduction in all 

crime throughout the surrounding community, and an 85 percent 

reduction in all crime at the scrap yard. The crime reduction occurred 

once the scrap metal yard was properly managed and no longer served 

as a crime facilitator. 
The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 11

Targets 

Susceptible targets for scrap metal theft can include any unsecured 

metal. Certain types of metal prices will fluctuate, and dealers 

may specify what types of metal they are buying, thereby notifying 

sellers of what is in current demand. Some specific targets of scrap 

metal theft include the following: 

Plumbing fixtures, especially in property that does not have 

capable guardianship, frequently get ripped out of bathrooms and 

kitchens and sold for scrap.

Copper wires/cables of all kinds, especially uninsulated wires/

cables, are susceptible to theft. Thieves commonly target the 

copper wiring in electric transformers at utility substations.27

Air conditioners are targeted for the copper tubing in the coils.§

Vehicle parts, and especially catalytic converters found in 

most vehicle undercarriages, are worth anywhere from $50 to 

$200 apiece from local scrap metal dealers due to the amounts 

of platinum, palladium, and radium§§ present in converters, in 

particular. Catalytic converters have been installed on vehicle 

undercarriages since 1975 and convert harmful pollutants into 

less-harmful emissions before they leave the vehicle’s exhaust 

system. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a dramatic 

increase in insurance claims for catalytic converters during the first 

six months of 2008, greatly outnumbering the previous five-year 

total.28 Replacing a catalytic converter can run anywhere from 

$200 to over $1,000. SUVs and jeeps provide the best opportunity 

for catalytic converter theft because the ground clearance is so high, 

and often the converter is held on by four bolts, easily detached 

with a socket wrench. 

Beer kegs have become targets because many scrap metal dealers 

value them at $15 to $30 apiece, often more than the given liquor 

store deposit. Estimates in 2007 reported a loss of $50 million to 

the beer keg industry due to theft.29 

§The Puyallup (Washington) Police 

Department reported that thieves have 

been known to mark air-conditioning 

units with the word “scrap” and 

dismantle them to obtain the copper 

coils and cooling cores. If anyone 

questions them about their activity, 

the thieves point to the marking to 

confirm that the equipment is to 

be scrapped. Thieves also use the 

anhydrous ammonia inside the unit to 

manufacture methamphetamine.

§§Like other scrap metal theft, the rise 

in theft incidents can be traced to the 

price of platinum. In 2002 platinum 

traded for about $608 per troy ounce. 

(A troy ounce is a metal measurement 

slightly larger than a common ounce.) 

In 2008, platinum sold for $2,083 per 

troy ounce on the New York Mercantile 

Exchange. 
12 Theft of Scrap Metal

Aluminum siding/gutters/roofs are targeted because they have 

copper flashing.

Bronze plaques and statues in cemeteries and museums are targets 

of metal thieves because they are nearly impossible to adequately 

secure.

Manhole cover and sewer grate theft has risen sharply throughout 

the industrialized world. Consequently, cities are finding innovative 

ways to secure the covers.§ Missing covers are not only costly, 

but also the thefts pose serious risks of injury and even death for 

motorists and pedestrians.

§The Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) 

Public Works Department is chaining 

or internally locking manhole covers 

after thieves stole more than 2,500 in 

one year, up from an annual average 

of 100 (Bauers, 2008; Urbina, 2008). 

Costs are estimated at over $300,000 

to replace stolen manhole covers and 

sewer grates. Other large cities similarly 

report dramatic increases in stolen 

manhole covers and sewer grates.
Understanding Your Local Problem 13

Understanding Your Local Problem

The information provided above is a generalized description of 

scrap metal theft. You must combine the basic facts with a more 

specific understanding of your local problem. Carefully analyzing 

the local problem will help you design a more effective response 

strategy and gain partners to determine the best solution.

Scrap metal theft problems became prominent in 2005, yet little 

systematic research has been done to determine generalizable 

causes. Tackling the problem of scrap metal theft requires 

understanding the organizational arrangements between sellers and 

buyers, in addition to understanding the features of specific theft 

locations and knowing about individual offenders. It is important 

to understand how local demand contributes to scrap metal theft 

and how it influences offenders’ behavior.

Communities facing scrap metal theft problems might seek help 

from university researchers to analyze data about the problem. 

Indianapolis police partnered with the University of Indianapolis 

Community Research Center to collect data on scrap metal thefts. 

In this collaborative effort, known as the Indianapolis Metal 

Theft Project,30 researchers gathered and analyzed a wide variety 

of data related to the costs and types of scrap metal theft so that 

police could apply improved strategies to the problem. In addition 

to listing cities with the most claims (Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, 

Michigan; Chicago, Illinois) and most claims per population 

(Cleveland; Flint, Michigan; Birmingham, Alabama) the study 

also found that the greater the number of scrap yards in a city, the 

greater the number of metal thefts.31 However, the researchers 

noted several caveats to their findings and emphasized the value of 

collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.
14 Theft of Scrap Metal

Stakeholders

In addition to criminal justice agencies, you should consider the 

following groups for the contribution they can make in gathering 

information and formulating an adequate response to scrap metal 

theft: 

•	 Scrap metal dealers can potentially maximize profits by paying 

reduced prices for stolen metal. With proper regulation, 

however, they can better maximize their profit and community 

reputation by avoiding the purchase of stolen metal and the 

consequent fines and confiscation of stolen merchandise. Scrap 

metal dealers also should have a good understanding of who is 

selling or trying to sell stolen metal, as well as the going market 

for particular metals. Moreover, scrap metal dealers should 

be familiar with local ordinances and/or state legislation that 

regulate how people buy and sell metal. 

•	 Regulatory agencies engaged in environmental protection 

may play a role in ensuring scrap metal dealers are operating 

a responsible recycling business. Find out what agencies are 

involved with regulating your local metal recyclers, and how 

they may help to change business practices.

•	 Trade associations such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling 

Industries Inc. (ISRI) can offer a number of resources online 

under “metal theft” and have an interest in protecting scrapdealing businesses. See www.isri.org. 

•	 Utility companies have increasingly become proactive in 

response to copper theft by encouraging customers to report 

suspicious activity and working with police investigators.§ 

Utility companies’ security and risk management personnel are 

important advocates for addressing scrap metal theft problems. 

•	 Abandoned/vacant-property owners have an interest in protecting 

their property from further devaluation, and the neighborhood 

has an interest in securing the property so it does not become a 

crime facilitator. 

§In the summer of 2008, AT&T 

worked with the San Diego County 

(California) Sheriff ’s Department, 

and the FBI, leading to a number 

of arrests of scrap metal dealers for 

buying stolen metal following a 

series of undercover operations.
Understanding Your Local Problem 15

•	 Metal product manufacturers have an interest in making sure 

legitimate customers keep their purchased product. Beer 

manufacturers have an interest in customers’ getting their keg 

deposits back. Manufacturers can prevent theft by coding their 

product in a way that makes it easily identifiable or allows police 

to find the rightful owner after the theft has occurred.

•	 Property insurance companies may be able to provide information 

on areas with the highest financial and quantity-of-metal loss. 

Since insurance companies need to pay out claims, they have a 

financial incentive to help determine the best responses for local 

scrap-metal theft problems. 

•	 Public works departments suffer the loss when thieves steal a 

manhole cover or guardrail. Naturally, local property taxes 

in pending budgets absorb these costs. Nevertheless, these 

departments should become important allies with groups 

confronting local scrap-metal theft problems by determining 

how public-works items can be better secured and not stolen 

and sold to scrap metal dealers.
16 Theft of Scrap Metal

Asking the Right Questions

The following are some critical questions you should ask in 

analyzing your particular scrap-metal theft problem, even if the 

answers are not always readily available. Your answers to these and 

other questions will help you choose the most appropriate set of 

responses. 

Incidents

•	 How many scrap metal thefts have occurred in your 

community? How do you flag scrap metal theft data in your 

incident data reports? Most departments do not track “scrap 

metal theft” as a separate theft category, but they may need to 

do so to assess the problem’s severity. 

•	 How many scrap metal thefts has your department recorded 

over the past year compared with the last few years? Do you 

have a systematic way to determine if your scrap metal theft 

problem is getting better or worse? Is there a way to determine 

where the greatest level of victimization is occurring, so you can 

allocate resources more efficiently? 

•	 Is metal being stolen from abandoned and vacant properties, but 

not reported to police? 

•	 Are there recent spikes in scrap metal theft? If so, what has 

caused those spikes? 

•	 Who owns surrounding scrap yards, and has this ownership 

changed during the time of increased reported scrap-metal 

theft? Is a new scrap yard owner/manager influencing your 

scrap metal theft problem? Compare metal and/or copper thefts 

before and after a change in scrap yard owners.

•	 How do thieves steal the metal?

•	 How many and what type of injuries (such as electrocutions, 

falls, lacerations) have thieves incurred stealing metal?

•	 How much does scrap metal theft financially cost the 

community?
Understanding Your Local Problem 17

Targets/Locations/Times

•	 What types of metal are thieves stealing? Is copper the most 

sought-after precious metal, and if so, why?

•	 Where are scrap metal thefts occurring?

•	 When are scrap metal thefts occurring (time of day, day of week, 

month and season of year)?

•	 Do thieves repeatedly target certain businesses or locations? 

•	 Which locations with high amounts of easily transportable metal 

have not been victimized, and how are these locations unique?

•	 Which are thieves targeting most: residential, commercial, or 

utility properties?

•	 Have thieves stolen from scrap metal yards?

•	 Are thieves targeting vacant buildings (e.g., for sale, foreclosed, 

abandoned) for scrap metal theft? You should be aware of vacant 

buildings in your community, and of how secure they are. 

Offenders (Thieves and Sellers)§

•	 Who are the local metal thieves and sellers?

•	 What percentage of thieves and sellers are opportunistic, and 

what percentage are professional? What percentage are drug 

addicts? 

•	 Where do thieves sell stolen metal, and at how many locations?

•	 At what other locations can thieves sell stolen metal, but don’t? 

Why?

•	 How easy is it to sell stolen metal? 

•	 How do thieves choose their targets?

•	 Are there any intermediate groups buying stolen metal from 

thieves and reselling it in bulk to dealers?

§Offenders will often reveal valuable 

information related to your local 

scrap-metal theft problem, such as 

which dealers are easy to sell to or 

which locations thieves are targeting, 

and you should thoroughly interview 

them to gain appropriate intelligence. 

For more information, see ProblemSolving Tools Guide No. 3, Using 

Offender Interviews To Inform Police 

Problem-Solving.
18 Theft of Scrap Metal

Offenders (Buyers)

•	 How many scrap metal dealers exist in your community?

•	 What types of metal products do they accept? 

•	 Do they accept metal that they should reasonably suspect the 

seller does not lawfully own (e.g., railroad track, traffic signs, 

beer kegs, manhole covers, guardrails, metal with other owners’ 

identifying marks, etc.)? 

•	 How long have the scrap yards been in business? 

•	 Are scrap metal dealerships independently owned, or part of a 

larger corporate chain? 

•	 What do you know about scrap metal dealership owners and 

managers?

•	 Do scrap metal dealers require IDs or proof of ownership of 

metal before buying it?

•	 Do they keep copies of sellers’ IDs? 

•	 Do (or could) they take digital photos of sellers? 

•	 How long do they save sellers’ IDs?

•	 Do they immediately pay for the metal, or pay later? Often, 

delayed payments may deter addicts from stealing metal for 

quick cash. 

•	 Are they required to report suspicious scrap metal sellers? 

Are there scrap dealers in your area who have never reported 

suspicious metal sales? Does your department have someone 

responsible for retrieving information on scrap-metal theft 

suspicion?

•	 How do scrap metal dealers process metal they have bought?

•	 How long do they hold the metal before moving it off their lots?

•	 What type of metal do they prefer, and why?

•	 What type of inventory controls do scrap yards maintain?

•	 What type of security exists throughout the scrap yards? Are 

there fencing, barbed wire, video surveillance, exterior lighting, 

motion sensors, locked vehicles and areas, and good inventory 

controls?
Understanding Your Local Problem 19

Current Responses to the Problem

•	 What local or state regulations apply to scrap metal transactions? 

•	 How are scrap metal dealerships inspected, and how are 

regulations enforced? 

•	 When someone reports a scrap metal theft, is there a way to 

inform surrounding scrap metal dealers to be on the lookout for 

specific property? 

•	 What percentage of reported scrap metal theft cases do police 

solve? 

•	 What penalties do judges impose on convicted metal thieves? 

Measuring Your Effectiveness

Measurement allows you to determine how well your efforts have 

succeeded, and suggests how you might modify your responses 

if they are not producing the intended results. You should take 

measures of your problem before you implement responses, to 

determine how serious the problem is, and after you implement 

them, to determine whether they have been effective. You should 

take all measures in both the target area and the surrounding area. 

For more-detailed guidance on measuring effectiveness, see the 

Problem-Solving Tools Guide titled Assessing Responses to Problems: 

An Introductory Guide for Police Problem-Solvers. 

The following are potentially useful measures of the effectiveness of 

responses to scrap metal theft:

•	 reduced number of scrap metal thefts (reported and unreported),

•	 reduced financial loss from scrap metal theft,

•	 reduced cost to replace stolen metal,

•	 reduced number and/or severity of injuries resulting from scrap 

metal theft, and

•	 reduced number of repeat victims.

Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 21

Responses to the Problem of Scrap 

Metal Theft

Analyzing your local problem should give you a better 

understanding of the factors contributing to it. Once you have 

analyzed your local problem and established a baseline for 

measuring effectiveness, you should consider possible responses to 

address the problem. 

The following response strategies provide a foundation of ideas 

for addressing your particular problem. These strategies are drawn 

from a variety of research studies and police reports. Several of 

these strategies may apply to your community’s problem. It is 

critical that you tailor responses to local circumstances, and that 

you can justify each response based on reliable analysis. In most 

cases, an effective strategy will involve implementing several 

different responses. Law enforcement responses alone are seldom 

effective in reducing or solving the problem. Do not limit yourself 

to considering what the police can do: carefully consider whether 

others in your community share responsibility for the problem 

and can help the police better respond to it. In some cases, you 

may need to shift the responsibility of responding toward those 

who have the capacity to implement more-effective responses. (For 

more detailed information on shifting and sharing responsibility, 

see Response Guide No. 3, Shifting and Sharing Responsibility for 

Public Safety Problems).
22 Theft of Scrap Metal

General Considerations for an Effective 

Response Strategy

Both local and international supply and demand strongly influence 

scrap metal theft, and you can broadly tie local scrap metal theft 

problems to international demand and higher prices resulting 

from limited supplies. Despite this broad connection between 

international demand and U.S. scrap metal supply, you can 

initiate effective local scrap theft response strategies through a 

market reduction approach.32 Making it difficult for offenders 

and scrap metal dealers to successfully do business interrupts the 

process of crime cooperation without relying on constant arrests.33

Ultimately, these responses should attempt to mitigate the problem 

of scrap metal theft through collaborative efforts between the 

police, scrap metal dealers, utility companies, builders, contractors, 

legislatures, and state regulators.§ 

You should not focus solely on apprehending offenders, but rather 

should extend your responses to those that reduce scrap metal 

theft opportunities. Because most metal remains unsecure, public 

awareness and reporting of scrap metal theft is vital to improve 

guardianship and implement an effective response. Focusing solely 

on metal theft loss will not lead to long-term success. For example, 

burglary and property theft have some of the lowest clearance rates. 

If police clear a case and agencies can return stolen goods to the 

rightful owner, which seldom happens, the owner may not want 

the property back if it has been damaged. When you recover stolen 

metal from a scrap metal dealer and return it to the rightful owner, 

the metal is usually not in the same condition as before the theft. 

Consequently, the rightful owner may simply sell the metal back to 

a scrap metal dealer, and the dealer may end up paying for the metal 

twice. Therefore, focusing resources on reacting to scrap metal theft 

is not likely to impact the problem of victimization, and you should 

direct collaborative efforts toward prevention. 

§The British Metals Recycling 

Association has collaborated with the 

Association of Chief Police Officers 

and the British Transport Police to 

reduce scrap metal theft from its 

members and identify stolen metal 

showing up in scrap yards.
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 23

Depending on existing laws pertaining to scrap metal theft in your 

jurisdiction, you should consider additional legislative action. More 

than 30 states have recently enacted legislation to address scrap 

metal theft, and at the time of this writing, it is being considered at 

the federal level.§ States have varied regarding legislation they have 

passed in terms of emphasis on preventing or punishing scrap metal 

thieves. Some legislation prohibits the sale or purchase of certain 

metal products such as beer kegs or guardrails. Other legislation 

mandates better sales-reporting means such as stipulating proper 

seller ID. State and local legislative changes continue to evolve, and 

reliable research about the new laws’ effectiveness remains scarce.

Specific Responses To Reduce Scrap Metal Theft 

Increasing the Effort Required To Steal Metal

1. Hardening scrap metal theft targets. Some commonly stolen 

metal products can be made harder to steal. You should educate 

government agencies, builders, utility companies, and scrap 

metal dealers as to how to do so (see examples below) and, 

more generally, on the principles of crime prevention through 

environmental design (CPTED),§§ physical security, and 

inventory control. The following are some specific measures 

you can take to deter thefts of common targets:

•	 Securing catalytic converters, which are attractive theft targets and 

can be better secured for roughly the same price as replacing them. 

Photo taken from www.catclamp.com.

§As of late 2008, the U.S. Senate was 

deliberating the federal Copper Theft 

Prevention Act. The bill does not 

preclude states from enacting their own 

laws but provides a baseline for what 

states must do. The proposed federal 

law would require scrap metal dealers 

to do the following: keep records of 

copper transactions, including the 

name and address of the seller, the 

date of the transaction, the amount 

and description of the copper, and the 

number from the seller's driver's license 

or other government-issued ID card; 

maintain these records for a minimum 

of one year and provide them to law 

enforcement agencies to help them 

track down and prosecute copper 

thieves; and conduct transactions 

of more than $250 by check instead 

of cash. The law would impose civil 

penalties up to $10,000 for failing to 

document a transaction or for engaging 

in cash transactions of more than $250.

§§See Problem-Solving Tools Guide 

No. 8, Using Crime Prevention Through 

Environmental Design in ProblemSolving, for further information.
24 Theft of Scrap Metal

•	 Chaining manhole covers.

•	 Caging air conditioners to prevent coil theft.

www.protectyourac.com

2. Securing vulnerable places. Certain places such as utility 

companies, construction sites, and empty buildings are 

vulnerable to scrap metal theft. Proprietary assets-protection 

personnel should collaborate with the police and any 

community members (e.g., business employees, politicians, 

property owners who have been victimized) who are working 

to address scrap metal theft problems. This collaboration 

could include sharing incident data, determining whether risk 

surveys may be useful in foreseeing vulnerabilities, and using 

countermeasures. 
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 25

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity 

Delivery and Energy Reliability recommends a number of 

countermeasures to protect utility companies from scrap 

metal theft through CPTED and defensible-space concepts.34 

Utility companies and the private security firms they hire 

can implement most of these measures, and the police should 

encourage them to do so. Among the recommendations are the 

following:

•	 Perform threat/risk analyses to identify utility substations’ 

vulnerabilities.

•	 Ensure that utility customer service centers can conduct 

electronic surveillance of facilities in real time, remotely 

control alarm systems, and communicate with security 

personnel.

•	 Redesign substation grounding straps to reduce exposed 

copper.

•	 Use concrete (contact GS) or other protective covers for 

grounding wire.

•	 Develop new-style locking hardware to replace old chain 

locks.

•	 Ensure that perimeter fencing is cut-resistant.

•	 Improve lighting, intrusion alarms, security cameras, signs, 

and landscaping to promote surveillance.

•	 Secure equipment, materials, and vehicle keys at night and 

on weekends.
26 Theft of Scrap Metal

•	 Require gates to remain closed to unauthorized personnel 

where appropriate.

•	 Add roving security patrols at larger service centers after 

business hours.

•	 Install signs warning potential offenders about the risk they 

face when cutting wires.§

§The Office of Electricity Delivery 

and Energy Reliability (2007) reports 

the Appalachian Power Company 

sought to curb copper wire thefts by 

launching a media/radio campaign, 

teaching scrap metal dealers how to 

identify metal stolen from electrical 

facilities, sharing more information 

with law enforcement, increasing 

security around company substations, 

and educating employees on identifying 

risks from damaged equipment 

left after a metal theft offense had 

occurred. 

§§ See Problem-Specific Guide No. 

15, Burglary of Retail Establishments,

and No. 18, Burglary of Single-Family 

Houses, for further information.

§§§ Some neighborhoods or area 

businesses have chosen to voluntarily 

provide upkeep for vacant houses or 

commercial property by maintaining 

the exterior in a way that protects 

their own property interests. These 

temporary guardians should, of course, 

not be permitted to make any major 

changes to the vacant property.

Brandon Kooi

Many of the measures one would take to prevent burglary to 

houses or businesses can also discourage scrap metal thefts from 

vacant houses and buildings.§§ Of special importance here, 

banks and real estate companies should try to avoid making it 

too obvious that a property is vacant or unprotected. Lenders 

might consider allowing tenants to stay in the property until a 

permanent owner can move in.§§§
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 27

Although construction sites can be more difficult to secure than 

finished buildings, among the measures that can be taken are 

the following:

•	 improving security lighting,

•	 installing video surveillance cameras,

•	 installing alarm systems,

•	 using secure portable storage units on-site, and

•	 installing proper fencing.§

Railroad yards, which commonly contain a lot of metal 

products, similarly require special protection.§§ 

Increasing Offenders’ Risks 

3. Identifying scrap metal thieves. Throughout areas known to 

have incidents of metal theft, officers should look for suspicious 

activity. For example, offenders often cut stolen copper wire 

into 2- to 6-foot sections. Suspicion of scrap metal theft can 

arise when officers spot copper wire tied to the roof of a car 

headed to a scrap metal dealer or in the bed of a noncommercial 

vehicle that lacks a company insignia. In addition to 

transporting stolen metal, offenders often burn the insulation 

off copper wire, using large drums or open fire pits. Officers in 

search of methamphetamine labs may also happen upon areas 

where metal insulation is being burned off of copper, as scrap 

metal dealers prefer the bare metal.

4. Identifying scrap metal sellers. Scrap metal dealers should 

be required to record the IDs of sellers and verify that they are 

authorized to sell scrap metal. As the trade association for the 

scrap metal industry, the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries 

(ISRI)§§§ collaborates with the National Crime Prevention 

Council and recommends that all dealers require sellers to 

provide a photo ID and collect license plate information 

for every transaction. Moreover, as a stakeholder with an 

interest in addressing the scrap metal theft problem, the ISRI 

recommends training employees to identify stolen metal and 

§See Problem-Specific Guide No. 

43, Burglary at Single-Family House 

Construction Sites, for further details.

§§ The British Transport police 

initiated Operation Drum, 

collaborating with Network Rail to 

secure unguarded copper left alongside 

railway tracks (Professional Security 

Magazine, 2008). Network Rail now 

stores copper in secure (i.e., locked) 

depots. Other countermeasures 

surrounding the British railway 

include better fencing, warning 

signs, improved lighting, surveillance 

cameras, increased patrols, motion 

sensors, and wire devaluation.

§§§The ISRI is a nonprofit lobbying 

group representing more than 1,350 

scrap metal dealers. See www.isri.

org. In September 2008, ISRI hired 

a manager for their theft prevention 

program to act as a liaison between 

the scrap recycling industry and law 

enforcement, with the goal of curbing 

scrap metal theft.
28 Theft of Scrap Metal

maintain records that could be used for prosecution purposes. 

In partnership with police agencies and scrap metal buyers, 

the ISRI developed a web-based theft alert system to notify 

scrap metal dealers about stolen metal reported to the police 

(see www.scraptheftalert.com). The ISRI encourages dealers to 

notify local agencies when they suspect thieves are selling them 

stolen metal. 

5. Recording and tracking scrap metal transactions. Scrap metal 

dealers should be required to maintain a written record of all 

transactions, including the identity of the seller, a description 

of items bought, the amount of money paid, and the reported 

source of the scrap metal. Requiring further that dealers pay 

sellers by check rather than cash should deter sellers who 

prefer to remain anonymous. Accurate record-keeping has the 

potential both to deter thieves from trying to sell stolen metal 

and to help police link metal sellers to reported metal thefts.

6. Putting ID marks on targeted metal products. Although 

property-marking has never been proved to reduce theft largely 

because thieves will steal marked property and fences and 

citizens will buy it35,§, conspicuous marking of metal products 

can give scrap metal buyers firmer grounds on which to 

challenge attempted sales of marked items. This is most likely 

to be effective where other measures are put in place that give 

buyers incentives to refuse buying marked metal.

Offering free etching of vehicle identification numbers 

(VIN) on auto parts that typically lack them, such as catalytic 

converters and third-row seats in SUVs and minivans, can 

discourage their theft. Ideally, automakers will someday stamp 

the VIN on all commonly stolen auto parts. 

§See Problem-Specific Guide No.57 

Stolen Goods Markets for further 

information.
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 29

Etching deters thieves from stealing the parts (if the thieves 

know the metal is marked), deters scrap metal dealers from 

receiving stolen parts (if the scrap metal dealers know the metal 

is marked), and provides a tracking mechanism for catching 

thieves who try to sell etched property or scrap metal dealers 

who receive it. For deterrence purposes, offenders would need 

to be informed that the property has been tagged and that they 

face a greater risk of being questioned or caught. Moreover, for 

this response to be effective, scrap metal dealers must be willing 

to report sales of etched metals to police, which will be unlikely 

if dealers are complicit (i.e., not likely to challenge sellers) in 

the scrap metal theft trade. 

In addition to etching auto parts, new wire-marking technologies 

have been developed such as the following:36 

•	 Electroplated coding of metal wires uniquely identifies them. 

A laser etches a company’s name and telephone number 

throughout the length of the wire, which can be detected 

through ultraviolet light reflected in the adhesive.§ 

•	 Wire can be dipped in or sprayed with a coded liquid that 

remains intact even if the wire insulation is burned.37 

7. Conducting sting operations.§§ Sting operations target scrap 

metal dealers who violate purchasing regulations. Intelligence 

or information gleaned from local offenders can help identify 

dealers reputed to buy stolen metal. Sometimes these operations 

are limited to verifying scrap yard employees’ and contractors’ 

credentials. Other times they involve undercover police officers’ 

trying to sell obviously stolen metal to see if the scrap metal 

dealers follow state laws requiring proper seller ID and report 

suspicious activities to law enforcement. A word of caution: 

sting operations can have the unintended consequence of 

increasing scrap metal theft if they create a perceived new 

demand for stolen metal.38 To ensure that sting operations are 

not just catching unwitting scrap metal dealers, you should 

consider appropriately educating dealers about any pertinent 

legislative changes dealing with scrap metal theft. 

§The Texas power company Oncor 

reported it lowered its recorded scrap 

metal theft in 2006 compared with 

2005 using Identification Technologies’ 

nanotechnology. However, Oncor also 

undertook other security precautions, 

such as installing security systems on 

perimeter fencing, clearing landscaping 

blockage away from perimeter fencing 

to increase natural surveillance, 

increasing security lighting, and 

replacing the stolen copper wire with 

copper weld. Despite these precautions, 

thieves are still stealing from the utility 

company, but at a lesser extent. See 

http://tdworld.com/test_monitor_

control/highlights/oncor-copper-theftprevention.

§§See Response Guide No. 6, Sting 

Operations, for further information.
30 Theft of Scrap Metal

The Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Police Department devoted 

approximately 1,000 hours over seven months conducting undercover 

transactions with scrap/salvage yards. Officers collaborated with 

railroad companies, beer distributors, and a major power company 

to “test” local scrap metal dealers’ honesty. In the investigation, the 

department used covert recording devices, purchased and donated by 

the power company. The goal of the investigation was not to arrest 

scrap metal dealers, but rather to establish the need for legislative 

changes. Police administrators worked with state and local legislatures 

to enact new laws requiring seller IDs and descriptions of property 

sold to metal dealers, and granted authority for local government to 

mandate electronic reporting of metal sales to the police, lessening the 

burden of physically checking individual sales records. Officers met 

with scrap metal dealers and explained the new state law. However, 

undercover operations still found scrap metal dealers’ buying metal 

that should have raised suspicions. Police then executed search 

warrants and found stolen materials at various scrap yards. Instead 

of making arrests, a number of press releases followed, educating the 

general public about the problem of scrap metal theft and the scrap 

metal dealers about the serious criminal repercussions that would 

result from continued bad business practices. Scrap metal dealers 

were subsequently found to change a variety of business practices, 

including hiring more employees to properly document transactions; 

buying scrap vehicles only from licensed dealers; buying copiers and 

fax machines to send the police department transaction reports; and 

exchanging emails with scrap metal theft investigators. Consequently, 

undercover compliance checks of scrap metal dealers have verified 

that changes have occurred, and short-term results have shown Eau 

Claire has experienced significant reductions in scrap metal theft.39 
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 31

8. Surveilling scrap metal yards. Although time-consuming, 

surveilling scrap metal yards can temporarily deter metal thieves 

and buyers, particularly if officers conspicuously question 

suspects as they enter the scrap yards. Additional responses will 

likely be necessary to sustain any impact that surveillance might 

make on the local scrap metal theft problem. 

9. Offering reward money for tips on metal thieves. Police, 

crime prevention organizations, or companies victimized by 

scrap metal theft can establish hotlines and offer reward money 

for tips about suspected scrap metal theft.

Reducing the Rewards for Selling Stolen Metal 

10. Removing attractive targets. To discourage scrap metal theft 

from construction sites, you should encourage construction 

companies to use on-demand shipping of metal products to 

eliminate dormant stockpiles at the site.

11. Replacing copper ground wire with copper weld. Some 

utility companies have begun to replace all-copper grounds with 

copper wound around galvanized metal, known as copper weld. 

Copper weld is worth far less than all-copper grounds, and 

people consider the process of unwinding copper from a metal 

rod very tedious.40 Initiatives targeting copper theft through 

this strategy will need to find ways to let potential offenders 

know that stealing copper weld is not financially rewarding. 

12. Prohibiting the purchase of restricted materials. Scrap 

metal dealers should be legally prohibited from buying metal 

used primarily by government agencies, utilities, or builders 

and that is brought to the dealer by people unaffiliated with 

these entities. Clearly marking metal products that scrap metal 

dealers cannot or will not buy discourages thieves from stealing 

the metal in the first place.41 Encouraging scrap metal dealers 

to post signs indicating that they will not accept stolen or 

prohibited metal and will report sellers to the police can deter 

metal thieves.
32 Theft of Scrap Metal

Photo courtesy of Puyallup, Washington Police Department

www.BeerInstitute.org
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 33

www.BeerInstitute.org

Scrap metal dealers can post signs such as the ones above to deter metal thieves.
34 Theft of Scrap Metal

13. Prohibiting cash payments. Refusing cash payments may 

deter some metal sellers. For example, a drug addict who 

wants quick cash or those who cannot convert a check into 

cash easily might decide stealing metal is not worth their 

time. Moreover, requiring payments in check form may 

also deter thieves by increasing the risk that police can later 

identify them.

14. Increasing the financial incentive to safeguard certain 

metal products. Raising the deposit amount on beer kegs, 

for example, gives customers a greater incentive to return 

the empty kegs rather than abandon them, leaving them for 

people to sell as scrap. For example, Michigan tripled its keg 

deposit to $30 for the average keg-user after getting pressure 

from brewers who were losing significant profits due to 

theft. 

Removing Offenders’ Excuses 

15. Conducting a public awareness campaign. In some 

communities where scrap metal theft is prevalent, citizens 

and businesses may become tolerant of being victimized or 

more willing to buy metal they suspect has been stolen. A 

scrap-metal theft public-awareness campaign can educate 

citizens and businesses about the serious consequences of 

scrap metal theft, including the dangers of electrocution 

and missing manhole covers, the inconvenience caused by 

trains delayed by missing tracks, and the rising construction 

costs due to scrap metal theft. An awareness campaign 

can perhaps also encourage informal social pressure 

against stealing metal and trading in stolen metal. Publicly 

reporting how much metal is being stolen and where it is 

occurring apprises the public of the problem and of whether 

it is improving or worsening. Police agency web sites or the 

mass media can issue such reports.
Responses to the Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 35

16. Educating stakeholders about their responsibilities in 

preventing the sale of stolen scrap metal. New legislation 

alone will not suffice to change scrap metal dealers’ 

management practices. Stakeholders must be educated on 

their legal obligations and the importance of fulfilling them. 

The Oregon Metal Theft Coalition discovered the challenge 

in educating stakeholders after they surveyed police and scrap 

metal recyclers.42 They discovered that among police survey 

respondents, half were unaware of important provisions in the 

law (such as mandatory identification of sellers and noncash 

payments); 60 percent had no way of tracking scrap metal theft 

as a unique theft category, thus preventing a true account of 

these property crimes; and 78 percent were not conducting 

compliance checks on scrap metal dealers. The coalition 

found that while the new law improved relationships between 

scrap metal dealers and the police, recyclers were increasingly 

buying scrap metal without employees’ knowledge of the new 

regulations.

Scrap metal dealers should be required to train employees on 

how to identify potentially stolen metal and how to report 

suspected sellers. Police officers and recognized stakeholders 

should help scrap recyclers in changing their business practices 

to prevent cash exchanges for stolen metal. Logistical concerns 

include having adequate technology for scrap recyclers, such as 

proper computer software, cameras, and fax machines. 
36 Theft of Scrap Metal

Responses with Limited Effectiveness

17. Targeting individual offenders. Although police should arrest 

metal thieves and prosecution should follow when possible, 

these tactics alone are unlikely to reduce overall scrap metal 

theft. Individual metal thieves are readily replaced so long 

as scrap metal prices are sufficiently high on the local and 

international metals markets. 

18. Enacting and enforcing “tag and hold” legislation. Some 

local ordinances require scrap metal dealers to record and hold 

certain scrap materials for a certain number of days after buying 

them. State laws that authorize “tag and hold” restrictions have 

existed for decades, but police have seldom enforced them 

until recently. Some scrap metal dealers have challenged the 

legality of local “tag and hold” ordinances in state and federal 

courts. Scrap metal dealers argue that state databases should 

be developed for recording sellers’ IDs and the metal they have 

sold instead of requiring scrap metal dealers to hold metal for 

extended periods. 
Appendix 37

Appendix: Summary of Responses to 

Scrap Metal Theft

The table below summarizes the responses to scrap metal theft, 

how they are intended to work, under what conditions they 

should work best, and some factors you should consider before 

implementing a particular response. It is critical that you tailor 

responses to local circumstances, and that you can justify each 

response based on reliable analysis. In most cases, an effective 

strategy will involve implementing several different responses. Law 

enforcement responses alone are seldom effective in reducing or 

solving the problem.

Response 

No.

Page 

No.

Response How It Works Works Best If... Considerations

Increasing the Effort Required To Steal Metal

1 23 Hardening scrap 

metal theft targets

Increases the effort 

required to steal metal 

...government agencies, 

builders, utility 

companies, and scrap 

metal buyers are educated 

about crime prevention 

through environmental 

design and collaboratively 

increase physical security

Some initial costs may 

be incurred to secure 

targets 

2 24 Securing 

vulnerable places

Increases the effort 

required to steal metal

...private security 

collaborates with police to 

perform risk assessments, 

followed by redesigning 

locations with enhanced 

security

Some costs may be 

incurred to secure places
38 Theft of Scrap Metal

Response 

No.

Page 

No.

Response How It Works Works Best If... Considerations

Increasing Offenders’ Risks

3 27 Identifying scrap 

metal thieves

Increases offenders’ 

risk of detection

...police officers are 

trained in signs of 

suspicious activity related 

to metal theft

May require some 

specialized training for 

police officers

4 27 Identifying scrap 

metal sellers

Deters thieves from 

trying to sell stolen 

metal to scrap metal 

dealers for fear of 

being identified

...state legislation requires 

all dealers to collect 

and record photo ID 

information from each 

seller

Police may need to 

persuade some scrap 

metal dealers to identify 

sellers; lax scrutiny of 

IDs may undermine 

effectiveness; dealers 

may lose some sales

5 28 Recording and 

tracking scrap 

metal transactions

Deters thieves from 

trying to sell stolen 

metal to scrap metal 

dealers for fear of 

being identified and 

linked to reported 

stolen metal

...state legislation 

requires scrap metal 

dealers to record relevant 

information related to 

their purchases, and pay 

sellers by check rather 

than cash

Scrap metal dealers 

may need help to set up 

logistics for keeping and 

sharing records with 

police 

6 28 Putting ID marks 

on targeted metal 

products

Deters thieves from 

trying to sell and 

dealers from buying 

stolen metal for fear 

of being linked to 

reported stolen metal

...potential offenders and 

dealers know targeted 

metal is identifiable and 

it is likely police will 

challenge them for buying 

or selling it

May require legislation 

that requires 

manufacturers to mark 

some metal products, 

or advanced technology 

to mark them after 

production; propertymarking schemes 

not generally proved 

effective

7 29 Conducting sting 

operations

Deters scrap metal 

dealers by increasing 

their risk of arrest for 

knowingly buying 

stolen metal 

...dealers are given 

opportunities to improve 

business practices, and 

police appropriately 

educate them about 

legislation related to scrap 

metal theft 

May have unintended 

consequences such as 

increasing the demand 

for stolen metal; dealers 

may be less likely to 

cooperate with the 

police after the police 

arrest their employees
Appendix 39

Response 

No.

Page 

No.

Response How It Works Works Best If... Considerations

8 31 Surveilling scrap 

metal yards

Deters thieves from 

trying to sell stolen 

metal to scrap metal 

dealers for fear of 

being identified 

...police challenge suspects 

when they enter the 

premises

Risks alienating 

legitimate customers, 

which can undermine 

dealer cooperation; 

difficult to sustain 

surveillance for long 

periods 

9 31 Offering reward 

money for tips on 

metal thieves

Increases risks of 

apprehension and 

arrest to offenders

...police market hotlines 

and rewards to the public 

Requires funds; staff 

administers rewards 

program

Reducing the Rewards for Selling Stolen Metal

10 31 Removing 

attractive targets

Reduces temptations 

for opportunistic 

thieves and increases 

the effort for 

professional thieves to 

find high-value targets

...the targets represent a 

significant portion of the 

local metal theft problem

Changing the business 

practices of suppliers 

and receivers may be 

necessary, and they may 

need to be persuaded 

to do so

11 31 Replacing copper 

ground wire with 

copper weld

Denies thieves the 

benefits of high-value 

targets

...offenders are aware that 

copper targets are copper 

weld and that copper 

weld is worth less in resale

Requires the 

cooperation of utility 

and construction 

companies; potential 

offenders must be 

informed about the 

reduced value of copper 

weld

12 31 Prohibiting 

the purchase 

of restricted 

materials

Denies thieves 

the benefits of 

high-value targets, 

which discourages 

thieves from stealing 

restricted materials

...scrap metal dealers 

post conspicuous notices 

that they will not buy 

restricted materials, and 

dealers notify police when 

attempted sales occur

Offenders may try to 

destroy markings on 

restricted materials, 

so dealers should also 

refuse to buy altered or 

damaged materials

13 34 Prohibiting cash 

payments

Denies offenders the 

immediate benefits 

of selling stolen 

metal and increases 

offenders’ risk of 

being identified 

through cashed checks

...offenders know they will 

not receive cash payments 

before they steal any 

metal

May require changes 

in scrap metal dealer 

business practices 

to administer check 

payments
40 Theft of Scrap Metal

Response 

No.

Page 

No.

Response How It Works Works Best If... Considerations

14 34 Increasing 

the financial 

incentive to 

safeguard certain 

metal products

Improves the 

guardianship of highvalue targets

...the financial incentive 

exceeds the value of 

allowing metal to be sold 

for scrap

Beer distributors may 

oppose it out of concern 

that higher keg deposits 

will discourage sales

Removing Offenders’ Excuses

15 34 Conducting a 

public awareness 

campaign 

Increases the 

guardianship of highvalue targets and 

strengthens social 

disapproval of stealing 

metal 

...the campaign is well 

designed and carefully 

targeted

Publicity campaigns 

can be expensive; it may 

not affect professional 

thieves’ behavior; it is 

difficult to measure 

publicity campaigns’ 

direct impact

16 35 Educating 

stakeholders 

about their 

responsibilities 

in preventing 

the sale of stolen 

scrap metal

Promotes greater 

compliance with 

regulations designed 

to reduce the theft 

and resale of stolen 

metal, and increases 

the risks to offenders 

of being denied sales 

of stolen metal or 

reported to the police

...it is targeted to 

stakeholders who are 

generally willing to 

comply with regulations, 

but just don’t understand 

them 

Can be timeconsuming and could 

require enforcement 

if cooperation is 

lacking; may require 

logistical support to 

promote scrap recycler 

accountability and 

reporting mechanisms 

such as fax machines, 

cameras, and computer 

systems

Responses with Limited Effectiveness

17 36 Targeting 

individual 

offenders

Unlikely, by itself, to 

reduce overall metal 

theft

18 36 Enacting and 

enforcing “tag 

and hold” 

legislation

Unpopular with scrap 

metal dealers; difficult 

to enforce
Endnotes 41

Endnotes

1 Hinman (1975).

2 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007). 

3 Sarkissian (2006).

4 Milmo and Milner (2007); McCurry (2007).

5 Fredrix (2007).

6 Reuters (2007).

7 Goldstein and Cattanach (2008).

8 Breen (2008).

9 Barakat (2008).

10 PR Newswire (2008).

11 Indianapolis Star (2009).

12 GDI Advanced Protection Solutions (n.d.). 

13 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007).

14 Bryn (2008).

15 U.S. International Trade Commission (n.d.).

16 American Scrap Coalition (2008). 

17 Kennard (2009).

18 Dow Jones Newswire (2008).

19 New York Times (2008). 

20 Steffensmeier (1986).

21 Klockars (1974); Cullen, Link, and Polanzi (1982).

22 Cromwell, Olson, and Avary (1991, 1993).

23 Walsh (1977).

24 Berinato (2007).

25 Berinato (2007).

26 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007).
42 Theft of Scrap Metal

27 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007).

28 Stanfill (2008).

29 Hagenbaugh (2008).

30 Whiteacre et al. (2008). 

31 Whiteacre and Howes (2009).

32 Sutton, Schneider, and Hetherington (2001); Sutton (1998).

33 Felson (2006).

34 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007).

35 Sutton (1998).

36 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007).

37 Smartwater (n.d.). 

38 Langworthy (1989).

39 Eau Claire Police Department (2009).

40 Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2007).

41 Puyallup Police Department (2007).

42 Survey Subcommittee of the Oregon Metal Theft Coalition 

(2008). 
References 43

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Concerns.” Boston Globe press release, July 21. 

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Covers.” Philadelphia Inquirer, July 7, p. A1.

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Epidemic.” Chief Security Officer. www.csoonline.com/

article/221225/Red_Gold_Rush_The_Copper_Theft_

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Breen, T. (2008). “Cemeteries Have New Problem: Metal Theft.” 

Associated Press press release, July 16. www.ibtimes.com/

articles/20080716/cemeteries-have-new-problem-metal-theft.

htm. Accessed September 15, 2009.

Bryn, B. (2008). “Scrapping the Metal Thieves: The Scrap 

Recycling Industry Is Under Siege From Thieves, But 

Preventative Techniques Are Combating the Crime.” 

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29(1). www.ncpc.org/programs/catalyst-newsletter/catalystnewsletter-2008/volume-29-number-1/scrapping-the-metalthieves. Accessed September 2009.

Cromwell, P., J. Olson, and D. Avary (1993). “Who Buys Stolen 

Property: A New Look at Criminal Receiving.” Journal of 

Crime and Justice 16(1):102–119.

——— (1991). Breaking and Entering: An Ethnographic Analysis of 

Burglary. Newbury Park, California: Sage. 
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Cullen, F., B. Link, and C. Polanzi (1982). “Seriousness of Crime 

Revisited.” Criminology 20: 83–102.

Dow Jones Newswire (2008). “Three African Countries Ban Scrap 

Metal Exports.” Recycling Today Magazine, June 30. 

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Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Police Department (2009). Personal 

communication with Deputy Chief Eric Larsen, April 3.

Felson, M. (2006). “The Ecosystem for Organized Crime.” HEUNI 

25th Anniversary Lecture (Paper No. 26): The European 

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Fredrix, E. (2007). “Kegs Become Precious Metal as Scrap 

Prices Keep Surging.” Associated Press press release, 

July 3. www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20070703/

NEWS/707030374/1036/BUSINESS01. Accessed 

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GDI Advanced Protection Solutions (n.d.). “Protecting Against 

Wire Theft.” www.gdi-global.com/news3.cfm. Accessed 

September 15, 2009. 

Goldstein, S., and J. Cattanach (2008). “Dallas Detectives 

Battle Metal Thieves.” Dallas Morning News press release, 

May 31. www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/

localnews/stories/DN-metalthieves_31met.ART.North.

Edition1.464524c.html. Accessed September 15, 2009.

Hagenbaugh, B. (2008). “Beer Kegs Become Hot Commodity for 

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Hinman, D. (1975). “Combating Copper Theft.” Security 

Management 18(6):14–17.
References 45

Indianapolis Star (2009). “Police Raid Metal Recycling Business.” 

Associated Press press release, February 23. http://archives.

chicagotribune.com/2009/feb/23/business/chi-ap-inscrapyardraid. Accessed September 15, 2009.

Kennard, A. (2009). Testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee 

on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs. Hearing 

on “Metal Theft: Public Hazard, Law Enforcement Challenge,” 

July 22. www.sheriffs.org/userfiles/File/Congressional%20

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17, 2009.

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of a Police Fencing Operation.” Justice Quarterly 6(1):27–45.

McCurry, J. (2007). “Children’s Slides Feed Beijing Metal Boom.” 

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world/2007/mar/06/japan.china. Accessed September 15, 

2009.

Milmo, D., and M. Milner (2007). “Copper Thieves Cause Havoc 

for Commuters.” The Guardian press release, May 28. 

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Assessment of Copper Wire Thefts From Electric Utilities.” 

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news_Consumers-Energy-MPSC_27310665.html. Accessed 

September 15, 2009.
46 Theft of Scrap Metal

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References 47

Sutton, M., J. Schneider, and S. Hetherington (2001). “Tackling 

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“Indianapolis Metals Theft Project: Metal Thefts Database 

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Whiteacre, K. and R. Howes (2009). “Scrap Yards and Metal Theft 

Insurance Claims in 51 U.S. Cities.” University of Indianapolis: 

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January 18, 2010.

About the Author 49

About the Author

Brandon R. Kooi

Brandon Kooi is associate professor and director of the criminal 

justice program at Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois. Kooi has 

been a private security consultant/executive, criminal investigator, 

law clerk, and youth crisis interventionist. He has helped to train 

police chiefs and executives across Wisconsin at the Wisconsin 

Problem-Oriented Leadership Institute for Chief Executives. Kooi 

continues his evaluation of a community antidrug initiative called 

Neighbors Against Drugs, which won the Wisconsin Association 

for Community Policing Robert Peel Award and was a finalist for 

the Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented 

Policing. Kooi’s book, Policing Public Transportation, appears 

with LFB Scholarly Publishing. His research papers have been 

published in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education, Journal of 

Security Education, Journal of Applied Security Research, Policing: 

An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, 

Police Science and Management, and Criminal Justice Studies.

Kooi’s research interests include community justice, victimology, 

environmental criminology, crime mapping, problem-solving, 

interviewing/interrogation, and private security. He received 

his Ph.D. from the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State 

University.

Other Problem-Oriented Guides for Police 51

Other Problem-Oriented Guides 

for Police

Problem-Specific Guides series:

1. Assaults in and Around Bars, 2nd Edition. Michael S. Scott and 

Kelly Dedel. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-00-2

2. Street Prostitution, 2nd Edition. Michael S. Scott and Kelly 

Dedel. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-01-0

3. Speeding in Residential Areas, 2nd Edition. Michael S. Scott 

with David K. Maddox. 2010. ISBN: 978-1-935676-02-7

4. Drug Dealing in Privately Owned Apartment Complexes. Rana 

Sampson. 2001. ISBN: 1-932582-03-7

5. False Burglar Alarms, 2nd Edition. Rana Sampson. 2007. 

ISBN: 1-932582-04-5

6. Disorderly Youth in Public Places. Michael S. Scott. 2001. ISBN: 

1-932582-05-3

7. Loud Car Stereos. Michael S. Scott. 2001. ISBN: 1-932582-06-1

8. Robbery at Automated Teller Machines. Michael S. Scott. 2001.

ISBN: 1-932582-07-X

9. Graffiti. Deborah Lamm Weisel. 2002. ISBN: 1-932582-08-8

10. Thefts of and From Cars in Parking Facilities. Ronald V. Clarke. 

2002. ISBN: 1-932582-09-6

11. Shoplifting. Ronald V. Clarke. 2002. ISBN: 1-932582-10-X

12. Bullying in Schools. Rana Sampson. 2002. 

ISBN: 1-932582-11-8

13. Panhandling. Michael S. Scott. 2002. ISBN: 1-932582-12-6

14. Rave Parties. Michael S. Scott. 2002. ISBN: 1-932582-13-4

15. Burglary of Retail Establishments. Ronald V. Clarke. 2002. 

ISBN: 1-932582-14-2

16. Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs, 2nd Edition. Michael S. 

Scott and Kelly Dedel. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-15-0

17. Acquaintance Rape of College Students. Rana Sampson. 2002.

ISBN: 1-932582-16-9

18. Burglary of Single-Family Houses. Deborah Lamm Weisel. 2002.

ISBN: 1-932582-17-7

19. Misuse and Abuse of 911. Rana Sampson. 2002. 

ISBN: 1-932582-18-5
52 Theft of Scrap Metal

20. Financial Crimes Against the Elderly. Kelly Dedel Johnson. 

2003. ISBN: 1-932582-22-3

21. Check and Card Fraud. Graeme R. Newman. 2003. 

ISBN: 1-932582-27-4

22. Stalking. The National Center for Victims of Crime. 2004.

ISBN: 1-932582-30-4

23. Gun Violence Among Serious Young Offenders. Anthony A. 

Braga. 2004. ISBN: 1-932582-31-2

24. Prescription Fraud. Julie Wartell and Nancy G. La Vigne. 

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25. Identity Theft. Graeme R. Newman. 2004. ISBN: 1-932582-35-3

26. Crimes Against Tourists. Ronald W. Glesnor and Kenneth J. 

Peak. 2004. ISBN: 1-932582-36-3

27. Underage Drinking. Kelly Dedel Johnson. 2004. 

ISBN: 1-932582-39-8

28. Street Racing. Kenneth J. Peak and Ronald W. Glensor. 2004. 

ISBN: 1-932582-42-8

29. Cruising. Kenneth J. Peak and Ronald W. Glensor. 2004. 

ISBN: 1-932582-43-6

30. Disorder at Budget Motels. Karin Schmerler. 2005. 

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31. Drug Dealing in Open-Air Markets. Alex Harocopos and 

Mike Hough. 2005. ISBN: 1-932582-45-2

32. Bomb Threats in Schools. Graeme R. Newman. 2005. 

ISBN: 1-932582-46-0

33. Illicit Sexual Activity in Public Places. Kelly Dedel Johnson. 

2005. ISBN: 1-932582-47-9

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35. School Vandalism and Break-Ins. Kelly Dedel Johnson. 2005. 

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36. Drunk Driving. Michael S. Scott, Nina J. Emerson, Louis B. 

Antonacci, and Joel B. Plant. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-57-6

37. Juvenile Runaways. Kelly Dedel. 2006. ISBN: 1932582-56-8

38. The Exploitation of Trafficked Women. Graeme R. Newman. 

2006. ISBN: 1-932582-59-2
The Problem of Scrap Metal Theft 53

39. Student Party Riots. Tamara D. Madensen and John E. Eck. 

2006. ISBN: 1-932582-60-6

40. People with Mental Illness. Gary Cordner. 2006. 

ISBN: 1-932582-63-0

41. Child Pornography on the Internet. Richard Wortley and 

Stephen Smallbone. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-65-7

42. Witness Intimidation. Kelly Dedel. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-67-3

43. Burglary at Single-Family House Construction Sites. Rachel 

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44. Disorder at Day Laborer Sites. Rob Guerette. 2007. 

ISBN: 1-932582-72-X

45. Domestic Violence. Rana Sampson. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-74-6

46. Thefts of and from Cars on Residential Streets and Driveways.

Todd Keister. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-76-2

47. Drive-By Shootings. Kelly Dedel. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-77-0

48. Bank Robbery. Deborah Lamm Weisel. 2007. 

ISBN: 1-932582-78-9

49. Robbery of Convenience Stores. Alicia Altizio and Diana York. 

2007. ISBN: 1-932582-79-7

50. Traffic Congestion Around Schools. Nancy G. La Vigne. 2007. 

ISBN: 1-932582-82-7

51. Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities. Justin A. Heinonen and John 

E. Eck. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-83-5

52. Bicycle Theft. Shane D. Johnson, Aiden Sidebottom, and Adam 

Thorpe. 2008. ISBN: 1-932582-87-8

53. Abandoned Vehicles. Michael G. Maxfield. 2008. 

ISBN: 1-932582-88-6

54. Spectator Violence in Stadiums. Tamara D. Madensen and John 

E. Eck. 2008. ISBN: 1-932582-89-4

55. Child Abuse and Neglect in the Home. Kelly Dedel. 2010.

ISBN: 978-1-935676-00-3

56. Homeless Encampments. Sharon Chamard. 2010.

ISBN: 978-1-935676-01-0

57. Stolen Goods Markets. Michael Sutton. 2010. 

ISBN: 978-1-935676-09-6

58. Theft of Scrap Metal. Brandon R. Kooi. 2010. 

ISBN: 978-1-935676-12-6
54 Theft of Scrap Metal

59. Street Robbery. Khadija M. Monk, Justin A. Heinonen and 

John E. Eck. 2010. ISBN: 978-1-935676-13-3

60. Theft of Customers' Personal Property in Cafés and Bars.

Shane D. Johnson, Kate J. Bowers, Lorraine Gamman, Loreen 

Mamerow and Anna Warne. 2010. ISBN: 978-1-935676-15-7

61. Aggressive Driving. Colleen Laing. 2010. 

ISBN: 978-1-935676-18-8

Response Guides series:

1. The Benefits and Consequences of Police Crackdowns. 

Michael S. Scott. 2003. ISBN: 1-932582-24-X

2. Closing Streets and Alleys to Reduce Crime: Should You Go 

Down This Road? Ronald V. Clarke. 2004. 

ISBN: 1-932582-41-X

3. Shifting and Sharing Responsibility for Public Safety 

Problems. Michael S. Scott and Herman Goldstein. 2005.

ISBN: 1-932582-55-X

4. Video Surveillance of Public Places. Jerry Ratcliffe. 2006 

ISBN: 1-932582-58-4

5. Crime Prevention Publicity Campaigns. 

Emmanuel Barthe. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-66-5

6. Sting Operations. Graeme R. Newman with assistance of Kelly 

Socia. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-84-3

7. Asset Forfeiture. John L. Worall. 2008

ISBN: 1-932582-90-8

8. Improving Street Lighting to Reduce Crime in Residential 

Areas. Ronald V. Clarke. 2008. ISBN: 1-932582-91-6

9. Dealing With Crime and Disorder in Urban Parks. 

Jim Hilborn. 2009. ISBN: 1-932582-92-4

10. Assigning Police Officers to Schools. Barbara Raymond. 

ISBN: 978-1-935676-14-0
Other Problem-Oriented Guides for Police 55

Problem-Solving Tools series: 

1. Assessing Responses to Problems: An Introductory Guide 

for Police Problem-Solvers. John E. Eck. 2002. 

ISBN: 1-932582-19-3

2. Researching a Problem. Ronald V. Clarke and Phyllis A. 

Schultz. 2005. ISBN: 1-932582-48-7

3. Using Offender Interviews to Inform Police ProblemSolving. Scott H. Decker. 2005. ISBN: 1-932582-49-5

4. Analyzing Repeat Victimization. Deborah Lamm Weisel. 

2005. ISBN: 1-932582-54-1

5. Partnering with Businesses to Address Public Safety 

Problems. Sharon Chamard. 2006. ISBN: 1-932582-62-2

6. Understanding Risky Facilities. Ronald V. Clarke and John E. 

Eck. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-75-4

7. Implementing Responses to Problems. Rick Brown and 

Michael S. Scott. 2007. ISBN: 1-932582-80-0

8. Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in 

Problem-Solving. Diane Zahm. 2007. 

ISBN: 1-932582-81-9

9. Enhancing the Problem-Solving Capacity of Crime Analysis 

Units. Matthew B. White. 2008. 

ISBN: 1-932582-85-1

10. Analyzing Crime Displacement and Diffusion.

Rob T Guerette. 2009. ISBN: 1-932582-93-2

Special Publications:

Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps,

Ronald V. Clarke and John Eck, 2005. ISBN:1-932582-52-5

Policing Terrorism: An Executive's Guide. 

Graeme R. Newman and Ronald V. Clarke. 2008.

Effective Policing and Crime Prevention: A ProblemOriented Guide for Mayors, City Managers, and County 

Executives. Joel B. Plant and Michael S. Scott. 2009. 
56 Theft of Scrap Metal

Upcoming Problem-Oriented Guides for Police 

Problem-Specific Guides

Missing Persons

Stranger Rape

Theft of Vehicles for Export

Problem-Solving Tools

Understanding Repeat Offending

Special Publications

Intelligence Analysis and Problem-Solving

Problem-Oriented Policing Implementation Manual

For a complete and up-to-date listing of all available POP Guides, 

see the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing web site at 

www.popcenter.org. 

For more information about the Problem-Oriented Guides 

for Police series and other COPS Office publications, call the 

COPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770, via e-mail at 

askCOPSRC@usdoj.gov, or visit COPS Online 

at www.cops.usdoj.gov. 
Center for Problem-Oriented Policing

Got a Problem? We’ve got answers!

Log onto the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing website at 

www.popcenter.org for a wealth of information to help you deal 

more effectively with crime and disorder in your community, 

including:

•	 Web-enhanced versions of all currently available Guides

•	 Interactive training exercises

•	 Online access to research and police practices

Designed for police and those who work with them to address 

community problems, www.popcenter.org is a great resource in 

problem-oriented policing.

Supported by the Office of Community Oriented Policing 

Services, U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

1100 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20530

To obtain details on COPS programs, call the

COPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770

Visit COPS online at www.cops.usdoj.gov

April 2010

e041022269

ISBN: 978-1-935676-12-6

Theft of Scrap Metal provides police with an overview of the 

problem of metal theft and reviews the factors that increase its risks. 

The guide also reviews responses to the problem and what is known 

about them from evaluative research and police practice.