Stealing scrap metal is wrong
Washington— The Institute of Scrap Recycling
Industries (ISRI) wants to remind would-be thieves that attempting
to steal metals will land you in jail and possibly in the morgue.
Recently, several deaths have been reported resulting
from thieves attempting to steal energized electric utility wires.
An example can be found in news reports from Detroit about an individual
trying to cut a 440 volt power line, apparently attempting to steal
the wire.
"Stealing materials, especially from utilities,
carries extreme risk to the thief, to emergency personnel and to
the public," said ISRI president Robin Wiener.
The danger from attempting to steal live electrical
lines and other infrastructure materials doesn't stop with the life
of the thief. The resulting loss of electricity can be a major burden
on the sick, particularly those who depend on electronic equipment
for life support.
Thefts of cables that operate railroad switches
and signal lights have also been reported. "The potential danger
to rail commuters and employees is beyond imagination," Wiener
said. "As costly as stolen metals can be to replace, the far
greater cost is that of irreplaceable lives."
ISRI is working vigorously to do its part to solve
the scrap theft problem. It is partnering with the National Crime
Prevention Council to help educate law enforcement about the industry
and the tools ISRI has available to aid law enforcement, such as
the Scrap Theft Alert system.
For information about the Scrap Theft Alert system,
visit www.isri.org/TheftAlert.
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