Theft of metals such as lead and copper from buildings, utilities and railways are on the increase as global demand places a heavy burden upon legitimate sources. The results of thefts can lead not only to degradation of infrastructure but also power and transportation disruption. On many occasions thefts have led to deaths and injuries to either the perpetrators or to innocent victims. There are of course severe financial penalties for those organisations and businesses which cannot prevent loss of their materials.The Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability of the U.S. Department of Energy published a report on mitigation processes for utility companies which provides interesting background information and guidance on protecting assets. The document can be downloaded here: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/copper042707.pdf
