The problem is when they start gutting your outside AC unit for copper, or even the local substation.
More of an issue 10+ years ago, before metal scrapping places started instituting ID checks and inquiries about the provenance of some items, usually as a requirement of state law.
Mine was new last year. Since most thefts occur at night, the unit is visible from my neighbor's BR window. It is also right outside my BR, so I'd hear them.The problem is when they start gutting your outside AC unit for copper, or even the local substation.
More of an issue 10+ years ago, before metal scrapping places started instituting ID checks and inquiries about the provenance of some items, usually as a requirement of state law.
Since moving to suburban Phila I've noticed an interesting phenom: scrappers, mostly at night. Putting anything metal out on the curb for the trash collection guys attracts these people, mostly at night because I've never seen one in action. Most of what they collect is sold for the value of the metal content I think they are performing a valuable service by converting trash into $$$.
The city of Seattle got scammed by two Gypsies who pretended to be Indians, they claimed they needed copper for traditional Cherokee artwork and got some mid level manager to approve it, then with some name dropping and speech +10 they came to the city light warehouse with two rental trucks and got away with 6 thousand pounds of copper wire. It it my favorite metal theft story.The problem is when they start gutting your outside AC unit for copper, or even the local substation.
More of an issue 10+ years ago, before metal scrapping places started instituting ID checks and inquiries about the provenance of some items, usually as a requirement of state law.
Copper is selling for about $4.25/lb.The city of Seattle got scammed by two Gypsies who pretended to be Indians, they claimed they needed copper for traditional Cherokee artwork and got some mid level manager to approve it, then with some name dropping and speech +10 they came to the city light warehouse with two rental trucks and got away with 6 thousand pounds of copper wire. It it my favorite metal theft story.
Not like your average metal scrapper, but it was a hilarious story.
City Light leader fell for copper con
Last year, two men claiming to be members of the Cherokee Nation who had traveled from Oklahoma came to Seattle with a simple goal: score some scrap copper. Dressed in beads and fringed suede, with one wearing a cap that...www.seattletimes.com
1 preparedScrappers come out every week on trash day here. And really come around during “bulk trash” week of the month. They also share their # on social media and have web pages.
I’ve called the one guy several times as we have remodeled - he was thrilled when we changed out an old cast iron sink.
It's not really big $$$, not really. Not unless it is clean/bright copper, or maybe extruded aluminum. Scrappers hoping to get any money need to drive around for hours burning gas in their cars. Then they need to clean that stuff up, dismantle, strip insulation from cables, and sort it before heading to a metal recycle; their time and expenses all factor into their bottom line.Since moving to suburban Phila I've noticed an interesting phenom: scrappers, mostly at night. Putting anything metal out on the curb for the trash collection guys attracts these people, mostly at night because I've never seen one in action. Most of what they collect is sold for the value of the metal content I think they are performing a valuable service by converting trash into $$$.
had a guy who would make hillbilly burn pits out of the drums from washer/dryersIt's not really big $$$, not really. Not unless it is clean/bright copper, or maybe extruded aluminum. Scrappers hoping to get any money need to drive around for hours burning gas in their cars. Then they need to clean that stuff up, dismantle, strip insulation from cables, and sort it before heading to a metal recycle; their time and expenses all factor into their bottom line.
One thing I see more of is people picking up old appliances but not for the metal, they are looking to part them out and sell parts on ebay. The sheet metal from a 20 year old washing machine is worth nothing, but that mechanical timer might sell to a DIY guy on ebay for $40. Especially since to source a new part from a parts supplier could be a $150 for the same part.
One thing I see more of is people picking up old appliances but not for the metal, they are looking to part them out and sell parts on ebay. The sheet metal from a 20 year old washing machine is worth nothing, but that mechanical timer might sell to a DIY guy on ebay for $40. Especially since to source a new part from a parts supplier could be a $150 for the same part.
It happens everywhere...basically at any demolition sites, or homes that have been recently foreclosed on and the owners kicked out. To a slightly lesser degree, active construction sites with no security as well.Since moving to suburban Phila I've noticed an interesting phenom: scrappers, mostly at night. Putting anything metal out on the curb for the trash collection guys attracts these people, mostly at night because I've never seen one in action. Most of what they collect is sold for the value of the metal content I think they are performing a valuable service by converting trash into $$$.
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