Due to the high payout of copper for money today. Thieves have begun stealing air conditioner coils made of copper from churches in the Houston area. Copper is probably the world’s most reusable resource. Copper has a rich history with infinite recyclable life. Copper was first used in Persia over 10,000, years ago. Nearly 75% of the copper used today is recycled.

With the high value of copper it is easy to steal and resell copper. All homes and industrial air conditioners contain copper. If left unprotected this copper is easily stolen from property owners and businesses. Most units are encased in a fence or burglar proof cage. However, most thieves are cunning enough to haul away the unit or pry the unit open as a squirrel opens a nut to get the prize inside.

Even though the theft of copper is on the rise very little is done to report the thefts. Due to the heat in the summer time new units are quickly replaced and reinstalled. Let’s look at a few things. First: The United States is self sufficient when it comes to copper. So there is very little import or export of copper. Second: The price of recycled copper ranges from $2.00 to over $3.00 per pound. These prices surpass the $0.65 to $.80 per pound for aluminum cans. There is an abundance of aluminum just laying on the streets just waiting to be recycled however, thieve still take the chance on a felony rather than pick up a can.

On the other hand who is cheating who? Most often those unregulated scales that scrap collectors sell their finds to are out of balance. Does the buyer cheat a little bit or am I getting my moneys worth for all of my efforts. Is a pound a pound or less?

All around the country people are stealing scrap metals: telephone wires, old radiators, aluminum gutters, and downspouts from schools. Some people have even had aluminum siding ripped right from their homes. Recycling of these materials is not new. But, the prices that are paid for these metals make the thieves bolder and more cunning without thinking of the risks. Making the money is easy as pie. The thieves pull their truck in get weighed and the paid for the efforts. Its mostly an all cash business, with no paper trail

Savvy recyclers recycle all forms of metal, batteries, glass and even newspaper. Never the less, here I sit in church on Sunday morning this July hotter that a frying pan. I asked one of the elders “why is it so hot?” He told me of the theft of our air-conditioning units. Not only our church but nearly most churches in the vicinity had the same thing to occur. I in awe that thieves would target a church. However I was also reminded that most people don’t know God and they are looking for a quick blessing. We often use God as a spare tire. We only need him when we break down.

I blamed the nearby drug heads, thieves and robbers. But I realized that whoever took the copper really needed it. In the 70’s I had a fancy car. I came out of my apartment and I saw a man stealing my car battery. I yelled at him “stop! that’s my battery,” He said I don’t care mister I need it.” He continued to unscrew the bolts on the batter posts. So I turned around I went back into my apartment as if to get help just to scare the man off. The man looked up at me and said “sir if you are going to do something to me go ahead I really need this battery!” I did nothing. If a person needs something so bad that they will face harm or danger I’ll let them have it, because material things can be replaced. Likewise, whoever took the copper from the air-conditioners from the church’ in the community must have really needed it.

July is said to be one of the hottest months in the year. Hot copper is being resold and recycled everywhere.

Born in Shreveoort Louisiana. Moved to Baton Rouge Louisiana at age 20. Now I live in Humble Texas. I have a B.A. in Philosophy. Currently employed by The Department of the Treasury. Married with Children. I love to write and tell stories. I am a church Deacon. Everyone that I meet is a friend. I see life as an opportunity to learn to explore and of course to write.