As the Roman Empire collapsed and the Dark Ages shadowed European civilization, petty thieves and common citizens began scavenging many of the empire's buildings and monuments, using the stone and marble to build their hovels and walls to protect their gardens and livestock. Is that any different from what we see today as people strip the infrastructure for metal and materials to use or sell?

http://billhicksisdead.blogspot.com/...pper-wire.html

Thieves stole 70,000 pounds of copper cable from Sound Transit's Link light rail line between Tukwila and Sea-Tac Airport, the agency reported Friday.

Thieves ripped the wire from inside an elevated guideway that supports the tracks, probably over the last several months. From end-to-end, about four miles of cable was stolen, Sound Transit spokesman Bruce Gray said.
More at the link. Looks like the entire site might be interesting.