Metal theft is a growing problem for Scrap Metal & Recycling facilities. The increase in metal theft can be attributed to the high price of metals on the market, and the ease with which scrap metal can be sold. Many facilities are increasing security to combat this problem, but more is needed. How big of a problem is theft and how can these businesses protect their assets?
How prevalent is metal theft at Recycling Facilities?
The problem of metal theft is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, scrap yards & recycling facilities are being targeted by thieves looking to cash in on the high prices for scrap metal, and has become a multi-million dollar problem for businesses across Canada.
Examples of recycling facility metal theft are popping up across the country. Recently, a scrap facility in Milton was targeted and robbed of $8,000 worth of copper.
According to the Police, the theft occurred sometime overnight on Oct. 2 to 3rd, 2022. In this case, the thieves cut through a fence to access the scrapyard (1). Unfortunately, this incident is not the first time there has been a theft of copper in the area, and Police are reminding businesses to take steps to protect their property. The increasing value of metals like copper, matched with a growing number of criminals seeking to exploit this market, makes for a dangerous trend for metal recyclers.
What have Provincial Governments done to try and curb metal theft?
In 2009, the Metal Dealers & Recyclers Act was passed in British Columbia attempting to put a damper on metal theft. The bill requires dealers to keep records of all transactions and report any suspicious activity to Police. In theory, the law would provide a strong layer of deterrence on illegal metal sales (on the buyer side) and reduce the demand for illegal metals.
However, during the law’s first ten years, a total of 16 violation tickets were issued to bad-acting scrap dealers (2); hardly enough to make a dent in the rise of crime targeting recycling facilities for scrap metal. Tracy Shaw, the CEO of the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries, had stated in regards to the Act, “Regulating scrap dealers does not stop metal theft… Metal theft is a problem, but scrap dealers are not fences; they are lawful businesses that are essential to the environmental and economic health of Canada. Those 16 violation tickets were issued primarily for administrative infringements. How many resulted in the recovery of stolen material? How many resulted in the conviction of the thief/thieves?” (3)
Cities are urging businesses to protect their property while reinforcing that individuals or businesses caught stealing scrap metal or selling stolen materials can be charged with theft, fined, and may face jail time. Although there are consequences are in place for wrongdoing, how can businesses up their security to protect their properties from this rising threat?
How can these businesses proactively protect themselves?
Recycling Facilities can protect themselves from metal theft by utilizing proactive security services. Live video monitoring can provide protection for businesses by proactively monitoring their property for any suspicious activity.
Our proactive security solutions aim to detect potential thieves at the perimeter of your site and deter them before they enter. Our first line of defense against these potential thieves is our highly effective anti-trespassing and video surveillance warning signage deployed around the property’s perimeter. These signs are designed to warn the suspect that they are approaching an off-limits site that is being actively monitored.
Our video surveillance systems utilize Cellular LTE networks to transfer high-quality video feeds for no additional charges in bandwidth. Our systems are not dependent on wired internet connections, so they are easily deployable across spanning Recycling Facility properties, and strategically placed in the most ideal locations to safeguard your property. Each system is standard equipped with two stationary cameras and a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera for highly detailed video footage and exceptional security coverage.
When our Video Monitoring Operators detect the suspect, they will attempt to deter them from the site before they are able to commit a criminal act. Voice commands from our live communication speaker are issued to inform the individual that they are being recorded and that the Police will be dispatched if they do not vacate the premises immediately.
If the suspect does not comply with our operators direction, our team will immediately dispatch Police and provide them with necessary details to assist in apprehending the suspect, including the suspect’s description, location, and behavior. Once the threat is contained, a detailed log report of the incident is delivered to your via our proprietary security information reporting platform, syncroReports, for your review.
The problem of metal theft is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Recycling facilities need to be on guard more than ever because what was one man’s trash is now another’s treasure. Improving security with high-resolution camera security systems, and live monitored video surveillance can better protect your site, deter more trespassers, and give you peace of mind.
Resources:
- “Alleged theft of $8,000 worth of copper in Milton under investigation by Halton police”, St. Catharines Standard, October 4, 2022
- “Few tickets issued to B.C. scrap-metal dealers in 10 years since law passed”, Vancouver Sun, December 5, 2021
- “Few tickets issued to B.C. scrap-metal dealers in 10 years since law passed”, Vancouver Sun, December 5, 2021