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Metal thieves will have it tougher beginning Jan. 1
By Associated Press
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CHICAGO — They’ll steal catalytic converters off vehicles in parking lots, grab metal out of refrigerators, even rip gutters off of homes.

With some metals fetching record prices, thieves who steal objects containing metals from homes and businesses are a growing problem, police say.

A measure signed into law in Illinois this month aims to make it harder for the thieves to sell their goods by tightening regulations on the scrap dealers who purchase metal.

Once the law takes effect in January, dealers will have to keep detailed records on transactions worth $100 or more, including the identity of the seller from their driver’s license or state identification card. Dealers will also have to record the make, model and license plate number of the car the seller was driving.

Some states have already tightened laws regarding scrap metal purchases, while at least 10 other states are preparing measures similar to Illinois.

“We believe that statewide legislation is often better if for no other reason than it hands a level playing field throughout the area,’’ said Steve Hirsch, associate counsel for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. “I hear anecdotally that our members ... occasionally see someone who sees the sign that says ‘Photo ID Required,’ and they’ll turn around and go somewhere else.’’

The high metal prices are being fueled by demand for building supplies in Asia. Police report that manhole covers, buried power lines, even brass plates on tombstones have been targeted by thieves.

Chicagoan Steve Hier had the copper downspout ripped off the gutters of his home recently.

“The next day, it was my neighbors who literally caught a kid pulling off their downspout at 11 in the morning,’’ he said.

Earlier this year, thieves stole $80,000 worth of copper wire from an abandoned Chicago hospital. In Indianapolis last month, thieves ripped about $400 worth of metal from the back of a storage freezer at a food bank that serves needy families.

“We lost $400,000 worth of food,’’ said Indianapolis police Lt. Jeff Duhamell. “People unfortunately in the last few days went without food because of the theft. They were throwing tons of food out.’’

A law similar to the new one in Illinois went into effect last month in Indiana.

“I think this kind of legislation can be really helpful in getting the stolen items back to the owners,’’ Duhamell said. “When the scrap dealers can help law enforcement as far as curtailing theft, then we feel they should have a hand in helping us.’’

Oscar Castillo, owner of American Metals Co., said he buys most of his metal from industrial manufacturers. He said he’s already keeping records of transactions at his six Chicago-area locations.

“I embrace the law wholeheartedly,’’ he said. “I think it will be helpful for everybody.’’

But Ronald Shapiro, owner of EDCO Recycling on Chicago’s South Side, called the measure “just feel-good legislation.’’

Shapiro said people can get around the new law by using false identification or going to unlicensed scrap dealers.

“The outcome won’t affect what they’re trying to do,’’ he said. “It’s just another inconvenient process, getting someone’s identification.’’

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Reader comments on this story - 4 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Government Muppets wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:47 AM:

" This is a good law, and a very important one at that. The problem is, Unfortantly those who are recycling legally this is a huge detrant to recycle. Next the IRS will be sending tax letters out to those who sell metal. Could also make you a suspect in crimes, as well. I hope this new law does not do more harm than good. There should be incentives to recycle not discouragment and the fear of yet another way for this state to enforce all out taxation and control. "

DB wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Just a question. Is there any reason why all these new laws, including the tougher drivers license laws, don't go into effect immediately? Why does every new law go into effect January 1st? If it's really worth writing a law, implement it ASAP after it's approved. "

Junk or Junque wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:00 AM:

" Hope this isn't the beginning of the demise of scrap metal selling/buysing.They are very much needed in our world and work very hard to recycle important resources. I can see this driving costs up if the reporting requirement turns into a taxing opportunity for the government.Thieves ruin a good thing every time. "

Wait wrote on Aug 27, 2007 9:28 PM:

" until people wake up in the morning and find their a/c condenser coil gone. It happens more and more and being in the HVAC/R field I've seen pictures where even roof top commercial units have been stripped of the copper coils and metal. What that thief doesn't know when they release refrigerant into the atmosphere is that they too are subject to prosecution and fined under the EPA administrative laws. "
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