NORCROSS MEASURE TO COMBAT SCRAP METAL THEFT ADVANCES
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Reform measures aimed at altering cash for scrap practices
(TRENTON) – Legislation authored by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) aimed at deterring the rampant theft of copper and other base metals plaguing private and public property alike was advanced by the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee today.
“Widespread metal theft has caused thousands of dollars of damage to private and public properties throughout the state,” said Senator Norcross. “Our cities and towns, already stretched thin financially due to the country’s dire economic circumstances, are often victims to vandals looking for their next dollar.”
According to a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, metal theft claims have increased 81 percent from January 2009 to December 2011. As the value of metals like copper continues to rise, so do incidents of theft, with thieves looking for a quick cash payment for stolen goods.
Bill A2074/S833 seeks to deter such activity by removing the element of cash from scrap metal transactions. It requires that all payments be made by non-transferrable check unless the seller has a photo ID on file with the scrap company, and that these businesses only accept deliveries made by motor vehicle. The legislation also prohibits the sale of certain items, such as items marked with government or utility identification, unless those items are generated by the seller’s normal course of business.
“Our goal is to make it easier for scrap metal recycling facilities to identify sellers who are above board while giving law enforcement officers more tools to catch the ones that aren’t,” Senator Norcross added. “By making these changes to our current system, we are able to protect our residents and make scrap theft more trouble than it’s worth.”
The legislation also helps scrap metal recycling facilities aid local law enforcement in tracking down metal thieves by implementing an electronic reporting system. This system, which submits information pertaining to the receipt or purchase of scrap metal to the State Police, can help track stolen metal sold to businesses in New Jersey or elsewhere.