Yeah, and the biggest target source for the copper, according to the local news here in Dallas, is the copper tubing in air conditioners. Scarp metal dealers are now having to get photo id from people who sell scrap copper to them, and some Dallas City Council members want an ordinance passed to require proof of where the copper came from before it can be sold for scrap.
Our veterinarian here in southwest Houston told me that thieves tore up his air-conditioner, which is mounted on his roof of his veterinary practice -- and ripped out the cooper tubing.
So very sad.