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Metal thefts target of bill
By SUSAN M. COVER
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 01/04/2008

AUGUSTA -- A Bowdoinham lawmaker wants to crack down on the theft of copper and other metals by requiring scrap dealers to verify where the metal comes from and who is selling it to them.

Rep. Seth Berry, a Democrat, said reports of stolen copper from Central Maine Power Co. substations and the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles brought the problem to his attention.

"I'm concerned about the rise in crime associated with rising metal prices," he said. "It's important we get ahead of it."

The demand for metals has increased in recent years, as has the price, which has sparked thefts across the country. Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum and other precious metals, which makes them attractive to thieves.

Three local scrap metal recyclers said they would want to make sure any new law that puts additional regulations on them is effective and would be enforced fairly on all dealers.

Berry's bill, which will be considered by the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee in the coming weeks, requires scrap metal recyclers to:

n Maintain an "accurate and legible record" of scrap metal purchases more than 100 pounds or $50.

n Requires the seller to provide identification and a signed statement that he or she is the owner of the metal or is authorized to sell it.

n Requires scrap metal recyclers to notify police if they believe a stolen product comes into their yard.

n Prohibits the purchase of scrap metal from a minor without consent of a parent or guardian.

John Clark, of Clark's Cars and Parts in Farmingdale, said he already takes the steps Berry is proposing.

"I think in light of all the thefts that have taken place, something needs to be done," he said.

Peter McAvoy, vice president of Smorgon Steel Recycling in Oakland, said his company also already does much of what Berry is proposing to do. For example, they take names and addresses of their customers, require customers to sign a slip that states they are the owner of the scrap, and they get identification and vehicle information from those they "have a bad feeling about," he said.

His hesitation with the bill is that reputable companies already comply with many state regulations, and this would add to their responsibility.

Others who are less reputable would likely continue to ignore the law, he said.

"If they pass laws, they should make sure everybody abides by them," he said. "For legitimate businesses, it creates an unfair advantage to a little hole-in-the -wall guy."

Rick Messer of Best Price Recycling in Chelsea said he'd make a distinction between metal that can easily be traced back to its rightful owner and metal that can't. He said if someone brings in shiny copper, it makes sense to check for identification. But he said there's no reason to add more paperwork to try to identify burnt or decayed copper. "There's a fine line there," he said. "Yes, if someone stole a new catalytic converter, take their ID and call the police."

Berry, who modeled the bill after Arkansas legislation, said ultimately, these types of thefts can result in higher utility rates if the electric companies have to continue to pay for thefts. He's hoping the scrap metal recyclers, who suffer from theft, too, will help solve the problem.

And he doesn't want to discourage people from recycling.

"I really look forward to initiating a conversation with scrap metal dealers and saying, what will work for you," he said. "They would be holding others accountable."

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com

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Reader comments

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Get Smart of Topsham, ME
Jan 5, 2008 5:36 PM
Hey MattB. Berry voted for tax reform last spring and so did every D in the House. We missed out thanks to the special interests represented by the Maine State Chamber.

Letting this problem go means higher insurance and electric rates, as well as taxes to pay for more cops and jails. This is a sensible bill that helps all of us.report abuse
John of Camden, ME
Jan 5, 2008 10:46 AM
Good work by Mr. Berry. And McAvoy sounds like a conspirator to theft. Easy money, right?report abuse
Much2Much of Littleton, ME
Jan 5, 2008 10:14 AM
The underlying reason why metal is such a hot commodity for thieves is not only because of the high value but also because it is an easy UNTAXED income. If metal recyclers were made to have their suppliers fill out an I-9 form before they could bring metal to their facilities and then issued them a 1099 at the end of the year for tax purposes you would most likely see a drop in metal thefts. How many of these metal thieves do you think are receiving some kind of assistance such as disability, welfare, unemployment compensation, etc? I am sure you will find it is quite a few.report abuse
Nonny of Gainesville, FL
Jan 4, 2008 2:00 PM
Enforce current legislation; for goodness sakes, stop wasting time and money creating new laws when the current ones aren't even being enforced! Copper wire theft is BIG down here, but it's a 3rd degree felony that needs no special law. What is it with these democrats; they need to deflate their big egos!!!report abuse

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