Full Notification

Preventing Metal Theft:
Metal theft has been a continuing problem in Davis County and around the country since metal prices began to rise several years ago. At risk is copper, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, brass and bronze. Thefts occur from homes and businesses with copper roofing or gutters, vacant buildings, industrial facilities, commercial buildings and construction sites. Air conditioning units may also be a target and may be stolen or tampered with for their copper coils and pipes that connect to HVAC systems.
Woods Cross detectives are working with local recyclers to implement processes, including confirming the ID of sellers, to help reduce the resale of stolen metals.
Woods Cross Police Department suggests the following precautions:
• Install a security camera with video recorder and keep recordings for a sufficient period.
• Secure all equipment in locked buildings, or in well-lit areas secured by fencing. Use a perimeter security system with contact alarms or motion detectors and gates with locks to avoid theft of scrap metals.
• Post “No Trespassing” placards around the property or signs indicating the presence of a surveillance or security system to deter thieves. .
• Remove access to buildings and roofs. Eliminate items that allow for easy entry to buildings, such as trees, ladders, scaffolding, dumpsters and accumulated materials such as pallet piles.
• Secure your building access with deadbolts, and door and window locks.
• Trim or remove shrubbery or other landscaping that allows criminals to hide from view on your property.
• Mark metals with the company’s name using paint, hard-to-remove decals or engraving equipment.
• Make sure someone is present when supplies such as copper wiring or pipe are delivered at a job site so the materials can be immediately secured.
• Don’t receive supplies earlier than you need them. The longer metal is onsite and unused, the longer it’s at risk of theft.
• Develop a relationship with local law enforcement. Ask for their guidance in preventing metal theft at your business and what to do in the event a theft occurs. The Woods Cross Police Department offers FREE security surveys for businesses.
• Increase lighting outside, and protect fixtures (such as AC units) with locked metal cages.