July 13, 2011
The Christian Security Network has put out an APB to churches on copper thieves, saying the thefts are escalating and continue to cost U. S. churches millions of dollars. “The theft of copper has hit epidemic proportions in this country…it is estimated that the price of copper has not even hit its peak yet, which means the metal will remain in short supply, heavy demand, and the continued target of criminals,” wrote CSN’s executive director, Jeff Hawkins in a letter on their website. “The number of churches that have been targeted by thieves stealing copper cannot even be tracked due to the high volume, but the estimated losses are in the tens of millions of dollars.” Hawkins said thieves target downspouts, gutters, bells, cemetary markers, crosses, plumbing, wires, and air conditioning units. He also reminds church leaders of why churches are susceptible to these types (and other types) of crime: “They are predictable, they have what other businesses have, and they generally do not have security measures in place to deter theft.”
Hawkins suggests, to deter these crimes, churches should:
- Secure air conditioning units at ground level.
- Keep areas well-lit.
- Install video surveillance, if possible.
- Ask your alarm company to put a sensor on your Freon line, so the alarm will be triggered if the Freon drops.
- Consult with insurance companies to determine the potential loss if an air conditioning unit is stolen or damaged.
