Right. One instance of metal theft in any country is enough to discredit the argument. As someone who lives in Australia, I've seen it show up in the news here just once. And I've spent time in other first world countries including the US, so my opinion doesn't come from a place of ignorance.

If you search, there is a ton about it, and it's a fast growing problem.

eg https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/crac...