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Air conditioners an important consideration in home security

December 29, 2010 - Rising costs of copper have led increasing numbers of thieves to seek out the metal, despite laws and regulations intended to curb such robberies, the Gainesville Sun reports.

Copper thieves can extract the metal from wiring, plumbing or air conditioning units and sell it to recycling businesses, according to CopperTheft.info.

These burglars are likely to target vacant homes or buildings without home security, including those that are in the midst of the sale process.

Crimes of this nature spiked last year, when Florida lawmakers issued legislation that required recycling companies to record detailed information about individuals selling materials such as copper, according to the Sun.

However, these laws are no longer enough to deter thieves from cashing in on the rising costs of copper, which is now worth $3.32 per pound.

Homeowners can prevent copper thefts in their air conditioners by nailing the units to a concrete pad, Tulsa World reports.

A device that links refrigerant lines and a home security system may also help potential victims catch copper thieves, according to the newspaper.

Painting copper to reduce its value may also deter burglars, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports. However, real estate owners should record backflow registration number on these units, which is used for identification at scrap yards and could be helpful in a theft investigation.

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