Because scrap metal can be sold for cash to a local scrap metal buyer or recycling center, it is considered a valuable asset. For this reason, metal theft is a common problem in neighborhoods and communities of various classes. As a scrap metal collector, it is important to ensure your cargo is protected against theft. This way, you can get the best payout for your effort.
Continue reading to learn some tips on how to better protect your metal from being stolen at home and work.
Scrap Metal Theft
Criminals are stealing anything made of or containing large amounts of metal, and then selling them to scrap metal buyers for an instant, anonymous cash profit. Since there is a high demand for scrap metal, there are several scrap companies, salvage yards, and recycling centers that pay cash for metal and alloy commodities. This incentive has sparked an interest in certain people to resort to criminal activity to make an easy dollar. The most common targets are old cars and similar motorized commodities, such as motorcycles, scooters, electric bikes, hover boards, boats, jet skis, and more. Additional common targets include appliances, electronics, siding, roofing, power tools, and car parts.
Tips for Preventing Theft at Home:
? Store your metal valuables somewhere secure and direct out of sight. Avoid storing valuables close to a gate, road, or exit.
? Use a lock when storing valuables.
? Place “No Trespassing” or “Private Property” signs in open, obvious areas of your property.
? Upgrade your exterior security, such as lockable sheds, storage units, locks, chains, video surveillance, fencing, motion-sensing lights, and more.
? Alert neighbors upon leaving town for vacation or work.
? Brand valuable alloy with your name using hard-to-remove paint, decals, or etching.
? Install car alarms and trip alarms.
? Never keep the title of your vehicle in your vehicle.
? Avoid keeping a car or vehicle parked in the same spot for an extended period of time.
? Pay attention to the behavior of people you invite onto your property. Be sure you know them and can trust them.
? Always report suspicious behavior in your neighborhood.
? Write down the serial numbers of your personal property and keep them in your personal records.
? If your metal is stolen, file a police report immediately and alert all the local scrap metal centers.
Tips for Preventing Theft at Work:
? Apply all the tips listed for homeowners, above.
? Maintain adequate insurance to cover the event of theft.
? Deadbolt all windows and doors.
? Install 24 hour video surveillance. Keep recordings for 3 years.
? Never leave valuables out, unattended.
? Create an inventory of all your supplies, and keep it updated on a daily basis. Add pictures and serial numbers if possible.
? Store all equipment in locked storage, surrounded by a perimeter security system and/or fencing.
? Remove anything that could help thieves access your building’s roof or windows, including trees, ladders, dumpsters, scaffolding, and trucks.
? Always have an attendant on duty when supplies are delivered so that they can be securely stored right away.
Where to Recycle Scrap Metal for Cash in Indianapolis, Indiana
Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for superior scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, or in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.