The scarcity of in-demand building materials like copper, aluminum, and lumber has led to significant price gains, and thieves are taking note, says Deseret News. One Salt Lake County construction firm has lost $100,000 worth of stolen materials in 2022 alone, and as construction site thefts increase across the country, the entire industry is paying the price.
Material thefts have a trickle down effect that contributes to a rising cost in development, higher insurance premiums, project delays, and ultimately, more money from consumers’ pockets.
Jason Robichaud, of United Contractors, says he’s seen site theft in recent years become more sophisticated and prevalent.
In 2021, Robichaud was managing a project in west Salt Lake City that saw the loss of over $100,000 worth of tools and materials stolen on a single night.
“We saw a big shift in 2019 when it got progressively worse and more brazen. It’s gotten to the point where (thieves) are cutting water lines to completely take out an entire commercial building plumbing system for the copper,” he said.
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