In the summer of 2025, a significant development unfolded when the White House announced a substantial 50% tariff on semi-finished copper imports.
This policy change led to a remarkable 13% increase in copper prices within a single day, a surge unparalleled since 1968. This abrupt price hike has raised concerns among industries heavily reliant on semi-finished copper products, such as HVAC manufacturers, the automotive sector, and data centers.
Impact of New Tariffs on Copper Theft
The escalating price of copper has coincided with a notable surge in metal thefts across the United States. In Raleigh County, West Virginia, law enforcement apprehended four individuals implicated in the "theft and sale of thousands of pounds of stolen copper," estimated to be worth approximately $20,000 and allegedly taken from Frontier Communications. The local Sheriff's office emphasized their commitment to addressing the rising incidence of metal thefts in the region, as reported by WV News.
Other cities, including Louisville, Kentucky, Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Sioux City, Iowa, have reported similar trends in copper theft, indicating a potential nation-wide escalation linked to the new tariffs implemented on August 1, 2025.
Safeguarding Assets amidst Rising Copper Theft
Copper thieves increasingly target locations such as dark buildings—unoccupied or vacant commercial structures—HVAC units located outside buildings, and communications cables.
A healthcare provider for seniors in the Midwest experienced two theft incidents in early 2025 despite having exterior cameras which were not actively monitored. Seeking a solution, they turned to Everon for a remote video surveillance system aimed at preventing future thefts.
Remote Video Monitoring: A Proactive Solution
Everon's team presented an advanced remote video monitoring solution
Everon's team presented an advanced remote video monitoring solution. This system involved Everon operators actively surveilling cameras, allowing for immediate reporting of unauthorized activities to prevent copper theft. A joint effort with the client led to the installation of more cameras along with speakers and lights to deter criminal activities further.
Additional copper theft prevention strategies include deploying motion-activated lighting for exterior spaces, securing HVAC units with protective cages, routinely inspecting vacant buildings, and utilizing tamper-resistant copper wiring.
Successful Deterrence of Copper Theft
The implementation of Everon's remote video surveillance solution, which commenced operation on July 1, coincided with an end to copper theft incidents reported by the healthcare provider. This outcome exemplifies the system's efficacy as a deterrent, allowing the client to prioritize essential patient care and operational responsibilities.
"Ultimately, prevention and proactive monitoring to protect copper assets within outdoor condenser units, vacant commercial buildings, copper utility cables used by communications and internet providers, and more, have become increasingly important as copper prices—and the trend of crimes of opportunity—go up," stated David Charney, Senior Vice President, Video Command Center for Everon.
During the summer of 2025, the White House announced a 50% semi-finished copper import tariff that resulted in a 13% increase in the price of copper in just one day, making it the largest increase since 1968.
The one-day price hike alarmed industries that depend on the import of semi-finished copper products, impacting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers, the automotive industry, data centers, and more.
Newly implemented tariffs
As the price of copper increases, rising thefts of the metal have been reported across the country. In Raleigh County, West Viriginia, deputies reported thefts in the area following the arrest of four individuals who were charged with the “theft and sale of thousands of pounds of stolen copper.”
The copper, valued at approximately $20,000, was allegedly stolen from Frontier Communications. The Sheriff’s office told WV News that they would “continue to address the spike in metal thefts across the region.”
Similar reports of copper theft in Louisville, Kentucky, Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Sioux City, Iowa this year suggest a nationwide trend of copper thefts that may only increase with the newly implemented tariffs that began August 1, 2025.
Protecting valuable assets amid a crime surge
Potential targets for copper thieves include dark buildings – unoccupied or vacant commercial buildings that can be stripped of copper from the electrical wiring in the walls – HVAC units usually located outside of buildings, as well as communications cables.
A Midwest-based healthcare provider for seniors experienced two copper theft incidents over the first half of 2025, despite having existing cameras on the outside of their building. The cameras were not actively monitored, thus failing to alert the customer and law enforcement to the incident as the theft was ongoing. The customer approached Everon for a remote video surveillance solution to help combat the thefts before another occurrence.
Proactive copper theft prevention with remote video monitoring
Our dedicated team of experts at Everon provided a remote video monitoring solution with an Everon operator watching the cameras to proactively report unauthorized activity and prevent copper theft.
Everon collaborated closely with the customer to design a surveillance system that included additional cameras to supplement the existing ones the customer had, then quickly implemented the new cameras as well as speakers and lights in an effort to deter unwanted activity.
Other copper theft prevention tips include:
- Adding motion-activated lighting to exterior areas
- Securing HVAC units with protective cages
- Regularly inspecting vacant or dark buildings
- Using tamper-resistant copper wiring
Remote video surveillance solution
Before the installation of the remote video surveillance solution, the customer reported two separate incidents of copper theft this year. After the implementation of the solution that went live July 1, the customer has not reported any such incidents – demonstrating how the system has been a successful deterrent, allowing the client to focus on their critical day-to-day patient care and operations.
“Ultimately, prevention and proactive monitoring to protect copper assets within outdoor condenser units, vacant commercial buildings, copper utility cables used by communications and internet providers, and more, has become increasingly important as copper prices – and the trend of crimes of opportunity – go up,” said David Charney, Senior Vice President, Video Command Center for Everon.
