[1st-mile-nm] Copper Thefts Threaten US Critical Infrastructure

[Richard Lowenberg]

Another reason for fiber; from the FBI.   rl
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Copper Thefts Threaten US Critical Infrastructure

www.fbi.gov/hq/majorthefts/coppertheft_120308b.htm

*  Copper thieves are threatening US critical infrastructure by targeting
electrical sub-stations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads,
water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes for lucrative profits. The
theft of copper from these targets disrupts the flow of electricity,
telecommunications, transportation, water supply, heating, and security and
emergency services and presents a risk to both public safety and national
security.

    * Copper thieves are typically individuals or organized groups who operate
independently or in loose association with each other and commit thefts in
conjunction with fencing activities and the sale of contraband. Organized
groups of drug addicts, gang members, and metal thieves are conducting large
scale thefts from electric utilities, warehouses, foreclosed or vacant
properties, and oil well sites for tens of thousands of dollars in illicit
proceeds per month.

    * The demand for copper from developing nations such as China and India is
creating a robust international copper trade. Copper thieves are exploiting
this demand and the resulting price surge by stealing and selling the metal for
high profits to recyclers across the United States. As the global supply of
copper continues to tighten, the market for illicit copper will likely
increase.


-- 
Richard Lowenberg
1st-Mile Institute
P.O. Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-989-9110;   505-603-5200 cell
rl at 1st-mile.com  www.1st-mile.com

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