Metal thieves, beware: In response to the increasing rate of metal theft in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this month signed a package of bills aimed at combating metal theft and illegal sales.
From 2004 to 2005, the market value of metals—specifically copper and aluminum—increased significantly, leading to an increase of stolen metal from fire hydrants, utilities, construction sites, and more.
When asked about local incidents of metal theft, Lt. Dan Ast of the Santa Maria Police Department said that while metal theft isn’t as prevalent in Santa Maria as in other cities, there has been an increase in such incidents.
“In the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in theft of metal, especially copper wiring from construction sites,” Ast said.
He explained that the police department has received reports of everything from people taking copper pipes out of buildings to people stripping metal off of fire hydrants and water spigots.
The department has also seen more thefts of large, 20- or 30-pound wire coils, which are typically stored in industrial buildings before being sold to construction and other companies.
“The problem with [these crimes] is that a lot of them aren’t traceable,” Ast said.
The recently signed bill package, however, provides law enforcement agents with new tools to combat the trend.
Penned by Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), SB 447 requires scrap metal dealers and recyclers to make daily reports on what materials are being scrapped at their facilities and by whom.
AB 844 requires recycling facilities to check IDs and thumbprint anyone selling scrap metals, and SB 691 requires that sellers of certain scrap metals obtain a government ID.
AB 1859 discourages the theft of fire hydrant fittings and fire department connections by enforcing a fine of no more than $3,000 for any person who knowingly receives any part of a fire hydrant, including bronze or brass fixtures.
Lastly, AB 1778 combats the theft of recyclables by requiring recyclers to obtain identification materials from people who bring in more than $50 worth of CRV recyclables and newspapers. It also requires that payments of more than $50 be made by check.
This article appears in Oct 9-16, 2008.