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Copper Theft On The Rise As Prices Spike

Last updated on Thursday, July 7, 2011

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) - The price of copper is up and so is the number of people stealing it. Indiana State Police say the problem is not isolated to Indiana.

Thieves find copper in units and old appliances. But they are really scoring because of the collapse in the housing market.

Foreclosed homes are a prime target.

A pound of scrap metal today gets you $3.22, so it is quick cash. But some thieves are dying to get their hands on copper.

Several cases of people getting electrocuted have been reported. In each of the cases, thieves died trying to take copper out of running air conditioners or electrical boxes.

Bursten says if you see someone acting weird, especially around a vacant building, call the police.

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