Sky-high metals prices combined with the weak U.S. economy in recent years have led brazen thieves to strip copper wire out of vacant homes, swipe stainless-steel beer kegs from bars and even make off with manhole covers, street lights and parts of fire hydrants.

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He knew how to strip the copper wire from dilapidated buildings and the lead from around the pipes.

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The country -- a long strip that spans the western coast of South America -- is rich in mineral resources, particularly copper.

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