Scrappers cause much more harm than can be justified by the pennies per pound they reap. They'll saw off copper pipes in vacant properties and swipe gutters from homes as people sleep. They'll even steal sacred objects from a church. But the crime won't pay unless thieves find a willing buyer who obviously doesn't ask enough questions. Around here, there are plenty. Why Cleveland is known as America's scrapping capital.
Wilbert L. Cooper, author, 'Scrap or Die,' October issue, Vice magazine
Anthony Brancatelli, Cleveland City Council, Ward 12
Mark Rollenhagen, pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, Lakewood
Duane Groeger, Housing Administrator, city of Akron
Diane Merriweather, professional scrapper