2025 has been roiled by economic uncertainty across industries. For many, those fears were only made worse with 50% tariffs on copper imported to the U.S. These new tariffs could cause price increases and added expenses for businesses, especially for construction firms and building supply companies.
Your physical security may take a hit, too. Unfortunately, when goods and materials increase in price, criminals take notice.
Copper Theft: A Rising Business Risk
The latest copper tariffs went into effect on August 1, 2025. According to the White House, this impacts:
- Semi-finished copper products: including copper pipes, rods, sheets, and tubes.
- Copper-intensive derivative products: like pipe fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components.
With wide-ranging impacts, multiple industries could feel the effect in the weeks and months to come. And when it comes to physical security, businesses need to take notice now of what assets are increasingly sought after and what can be done to prevent theft before it occurs.
A Cross-Industry Problem
Copper theft isn’t an isolated issue. Thieves don’t care what type of business they’re targeting if there’s an easy payout available for the taking. Here’s a snapshot of several locations commonly targeted by copper thieves, how this theft impacts them, and the security gaps that make them a prime target:
- Construction Sites – New build sites and storage yards can be packed with copper elements in raw materials, tools and equipment, and appliances. Copper can be found in everything from electrical systems and wiring to plumbing, HVAC equipment, roofing, and even in places like commercial kitchens. Many construction sites are left unmanned after hours and lack perimeter barriers and sufficient lighting, making them prime targets for criminals.
- Building Supply Companies – Those businesses that sell materials directly will likely become bigger targets as well. In one example of tariffs having a direct impact, Home Depot recently said it will raise prices on some products as import costs rise. This is an issue for contractors and consumers who rely on these stores to purchase materials, but also for the companies selling them as thieves take notice of the increasingly valuable items lining store shelves and warehouses.
- Scrap Yards – Why do thieves steal copper in the first place? Many times, it’s to resell for a quick profit at scrap yards and recycling centers. Currently copper scrap prices range between $2.35-$4.00 per pound, with an average of $3.34. These prices fluctuate based on market conditions and time of year, with copper prices typically climbing in the summer months during peak building season. While a couple bucks may not seem like a huge profit, for thieves it’s a quick, often untraceable way to cash in on their crimes. Additional levies on copper only add further volatility to pricing shifts.
- Vacant Buildings – From abandoned properties to those waiting for redevelopment, vacant buildings pose a unique opportunity for copper thieves. Often older structures, these locations can be packed with copper wiring and piping. And because of their age and common state of disrepair, they typically lack electricity, security cameras, or any defined security measures. As a result, thieves can get in and out without being noticed. While theft itself may not be a top concern, trespassers pose a safety risk as they are not aware of potentially dangerous conditions inside buildings.
Combating Copper Theft with Proactive Security
Every business and industry has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to physical security. The good news? There’s a common solution that can help proactively stop copper theft before it happens. Pro-Vigil’s remote video monitoring (RVM) pairs artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance cameras with remote monitors to not only spot suspicious activity but act before it impacts your business.
It’s the combination of technology and human intervention that creates a complete crime solution for your business. See for yourself:
No one knows how tariffs will impact the copper market in the months to come. However, waiting to see what happens isn’t an option. Act now to prevent copper – and all – theft from ever becoming a problem that impacts your businesses’ bottom line.
Let’s chat about how Pro-Vigil can end copper theft once and for all.
