Is Your Copper Safe? Fremont Insurance and Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company Team Up to Inform Homeowners About Unusual Risk

FREMONT, Mich., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As if the summer days weren't already hot enough, some criminals are doing their part to make things even more uncomfortable. They're breaking into air conditioning units and stealing the copper and other scrap metal. While this isn't a new crime - reports of copper theft have become a daily occurrence across the nation – it is a costly epidemic that is on the rise, shutting down businesses, damaging critical infrastructure such as cell towers, 911 communications and electricity distribution.

There is a direct correlation between the number of thefts and the current selling price of copper. Recently copper traded between $4.50 and $5.00 per pound. This is up almost 60% since 2007.

"As the price of copper continues to increase, so does the risk of theft and the need to protect yourself," said Kurt Dettmer, vice president of marketing and sales for Fremont Insurance.  "Often the value of common copper items may be overlooked by the consumer, but as the price goes up, thieves see an opportunity to make some quick cash and they aren't afraid to cause significant collateral damage to your property to do it."  

Churches, schools, businesses, homes and farm irrigation equipment are frequent targets. For about 30 minutes of work, often at night, criminals can pocket about $100 by selling the metal to recyclers, if they get a large enough unit. Once that unit is destroyed its replacement could cost thousands of dollars in addition to business interruption and the spoilage of food and other goods.

Fremont Insurance and Hartford Steam Boiler are working to inform owners to take precautions to protect their equipment from vandals and thieves.  Here are some of the steps they recommend:

• Install motion lights and an audible alarm around your property/equipment. For about $300, alarms are available that can monitor refrigerant pressure and alert an owner when lines are cut or leak.
• A similar alarm is available that activates a siren when an attempt is made to move an outside AC unit.
• Wireless GPS products designed to track AC equipment if stolen are available.
• Even though thieves have stolen AC parts from locked areas, fences around units or roofs with gate locks can help deter many thefts. Keep in mind that poorly designed enclosures can impede service personnel and block air flow that is necessary for AC units to operate properly.
• Video surveillance equipment may also deter thieves or help authorities investigate and apprehend those responsible should a theft occur.
• Spray paint copper lines with a bright color. Thieves will see the lines as marked and traceable and will be less likely to steal it. Metal recyclers often question marked metal.

About Fremont Insurance

Fremont Insurance is a subsidiary of the Auto Club Group, servicing the Independent Agents of Michigan. The company has been a Pure Michigan company since 1876. Dynamic Products, Exceptional Service, and Competitive Pricing have made Fremont Insurance one of the fastest growing and most respected companies operating in Michigan.  

SOURCE Fremont Insurance