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Copper Theft in the United States

Author

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  • Craig A. Depken II
  • E. Frank Stephenson

Abstract

Using monthly data for three proxies of copper theft, this article uses multivariate regression models to examine the relationship between copper prices and copper theft in the United States from 2006 through mid-2013. The findings indicate that copper thefts, as proxied by insurance claims for copper theft, newspaper articles in LexisNexis mentioning copper theft, and Google searches, are positively related to copper prices with the former two reflecting a constant elasticity not statistically different from unity. There is some evidence that copper thefts are related to the general pattern of property crime but there is no evidence that copper thefts are related to unemployment or foreclosures.

Suggested Citation

  • Craig A. Depken II & E. Frank Stephenson, 2017. "Copper Theft in the United States," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 62(1), pages 66-76, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:62:y:2017:i:1:p:66-76
    DOI: 10.1177/0569434516672760
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    copper theft; copper price; property crime;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • L61 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Metals and Metal Products; Cement; Glass; Ceramics

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