Help Stop Metal Theft



The number of metal thefts and metal theft attempts has increased over the last few months in the Walnut Station area. The backflow devices and catalytic converters pictured are prime targets, along with other copper/brass plumbing fixtures, copper pipes/tubing, copper wire and aluminum rain gutters.



These thefts sometime require the suspects to spend a lot of time at the location, like when removing wires from lamps in a park, or the wires and/or pipes from a house. Many times, the suspects dress, or act, as maintenance workers in order not to arouse suspicion.



Also, brand new items being recycled are normally a red flag because those items are still worth more as is, then as just scrap metal.

Just remember, should the metal be taken to a reputable recycling center, an ID has to be presented and recorded. So if there is a way to identify the metal, we will be able to find out who recycled it.



Deterrent Measures:

Paint the metal

Painted metal is considered contaminated and recycling centers pay less for it



Engrave or etch the business name or address into the metal, or a license plate number on a catalytic converter Recycling centers are supposed to note and record any identifying marks



Secure the metal with fencing or a box/cage

Making the metal more difficult to steal



These steps are designed as a deterrent to the theft of metal items, making it less desirable to steal and recycle. There is no guarantee that the items will not be stolen.

Metal Theft Flyer

Contact Information: Sergeant Steve Perez - 909-859-2829,