NICB Records Massive Drop in Scrap Metal Theft Claims

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The latest report published by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) suggests notable decline in metal thefts. The agency attributes the success to tough laws enacted by legislatures and tireless efforts by law enforcement agencies. According to the report, Ohio continues to be the state with highest number of metal thefts.

NICB reports that a total of 27,514 claims for the theft of copper, aluminum, brass and bronze were submitted to ISO ClaimSearch from January 2014 to December 2017. Out of this, nearly 98% pertained to the theft of copper. The report notes that the number of metal theft claims which increased from 2006 to 2011, started to level-off in 2012. The claims recorded progressive decline from 2014 through 2017.

Ohio emerged as the state with the most metal theft claims. The claims in Ohio were 13% higher than in New Jersey, which was identified as the state with second largest number of claims. Pennsylvania, New York and Illinois were cited as the next three states in terms of most metal theft claims. The top five states in terms of highest rate of theft claims per capita were Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode island and Delaware in that order.

The joint effort by state legislatures, municipalities and enforcement agencies in formulation and enactment of tough laws targeting metal thieves has contributed to the notable decline in metal thefts over the years. Also, there has been an increased awareness among general public regarding huge penalties and punishment for persons indulged in scrap metal theft.