I've read that the price of copper is quite high and that,as a result,the theft of copper wiring and plumbing fixtures is pretty common.
New copper is about $2.60/pound. Scrap is about half that. Currently not worth the risk or the hassle to remove it from a structure. If it’s loose and able to be picked up easy sure they go for it. Many scrap yards don’t cater to the shopping cart crowd. The cops can and do show up and confiscate stolen copper.