When thieves recently made off with nearly 100 catalytic converters from Eden, Illinois business owner Rick Grimm’s recycling business, they didn’t just rob his inventory – they struck at the heart of his livelihood. “I occasionally get a car and I’ll bring it in, strip it down, and sell all of the precious little metals,” Grimm said. “It’s what keeps me afloat.” The thieves cut at least 4 catalytic converters off cars inside the property before breaking into a shed and taking an additional 95 of the high-value items.
At an estimated value of $15,000, those stolen parts represented income Grimm was counting on to keep his business running. That’s money he could have used for maintenance, payroll, or reinvesting in his company’s growth. Instead, he’s left covering the costs of replacing the goods and upgrading security, straining finances that are already tight. Expenses like these can be the final straw that shutters small scrap and recycling operations like Grimm’s.
Even scrap and recycling facilities with unmonitored security cameras and other deterrents remain vulnerable. Thieves are often undeterred by anything less than robust, multilayered protection.
At approximately 4:12 a.m., a Stealth security professional monitoring an Ohio scrap and recycling facility observed a person on the property behaving in a conspicuously suspicious manner and entering a restricted area before slipping into a semi-trailer out of sight of cameras. The monitoring operator immediately contacted local police dispatch due to the nature of this activity.
Responding officers arrived on site quickly and could be seen making contact with the intruder despite efforts to flee. It was revealed the suspect had multiple open warrants, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Elevate Your Facility’s Security and Help Thwart Potential Intruders with Stealth’s Live Video Monitoring
In the world of scrap and recycling, the persistent issue of metal theft poses a significant challenge. Despite local governments’ efforts to mitigate this problem, the allure of the black market continues to entice thieves, particularly as the value of scrap materials soars.
Traditional security measures—fences, gates, and even security personnel—may prove inadequate against the ingenuity of determined criminals. This is where Stealth’s innovative live video monitoring steps in to transform your security approach.
Our service blends the expertise of seasoned security professionals with the sophistication of analytics-driven cameras, meticulously positioned to surveil your premises continuously. Our alert security operators, trained to pick up on the slightest hint of irregular activity, stand ready to activate on-site alarms at the first sign of intrusion—often this alone is enough to deter would-be offenders. If an incident escalates, our team is primed to swiftly contact local law enforcement, helping to ensure prompt response times, as evidenced in the footage you’ve witnessed.
Investing in proactive security measures can profoundly influence the safety and integrity of your property. Are you prepared to delve into how Stealth’s live video monitoring can fortify your defenses against illicit incursions? Contact us today to engage with a dedicated scrap and recycling security expert, secure your complimentary quote, and discover strategies to optimize your security budget—potentially realizing savings of up to 60% while enhancing your security efficacy.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
