actually kind of surprising. Hardware is usually for “do it yourself” types.
Not the type I associate with this behaviour.
Some hardware can be used for burglary tools—and of course copper wire has street value.
They aren't stealing it to use it. They are selling what they get on the street for cash. I've been approached by homeless looking people asking if I want to buy a new whatever for x dollars. You can tell they stole it. I refuse to buy it, because I know it's stolen. And the specialty wire? Probably going straight to the recyclers for cash for Pennie's on the dollar.
There’s a lot of theft in construction, much of it committed by the industry’s own employees and contractors — tools, supplies, building materials, anything not nailed down. That’s why you see generators, compressors and toolchests hanging from cranes overnight. And that thief who was shot by the three good ol’ boys was looking for stuff to steal later. It’s a booming business.