Unfolding Enigma: The Perplexing Case of Copper Theft
Rooftop Copper Theft Baffles Metropolitan Radio Station in 1975
In a puzzling incident that took place nearly five decades ago, a metropolitan radio station on the East Coast found itself grappling with a case of copper theft. The station, which had an original self-supporting tower atop a multi-story office building, was operating normally, but some of the PA stage readings were different than normal.
The problem was traced to the Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU), but no amount of tuning could rectify the issue. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the ground radials for the tower had been stolen, as evidenced by the disrupted gravel roof coating where they had been. The thieves did not toss the stolen copper off the side of the 10-story building or bring it down the elevator shaft.
Accessing the rooftop was a challenging task. The outside door was located on the rooftop, 50 feet from the self-supporting tower base and the ATU. The only visible remnant of the grounding system was a 6-inch copper strap running down the side of the building. There were no other means of accessing the roof other than through the elevator route. However, the culprits managed to bypass this obstacle, a feat that remains unexplained.
The police were notified of the theft and new copper was ordered. Despite extensive investigations, the thieves were never identified or brought to justice. It is suspected that they may have gained entry via an internal, unsecured access point such as a rooftop hatch or interior stairwell.
This incident serves as a reminder of the creative methods thieves employ to steal valuable materials like copper. In modern times, such thefts are not uncommon, even extending to EV charging stations. To prevent such occurrences, security measures such as installing motion-sensor lights, security cameras, alarms, and physical barriers like steel cages around critical equipment are recommended.
Walter Konetsco, a retired Foreign Service Officer and Voice of America field engineer, shared this intriguing story, highlighting the need for vigilance and robust security measures in the face of such challenges.
References:
- Security Info Watch
- The Copper Development Association
- National Fire Protection Association
- Insurance Journal
- Security Today
The thieves managed to bypass the roof access by an unknown method, targeting the Antenna Tuning Unit's ground radials, disrupting the station's normal PA stage readings. In today's technology landscape, such thefts continue, with modern gadgets like EV charging stations vulnerable. Therefore, it's crucial to enhance security with measures such as installing technology like security cameras, alarms, and steel cages around critical equipment.
