Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) that would help prevent metal thefts by regulating scrap metal businesses was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.
“Theft of valuable scrap metals, particularly copper, has been a pervasive problem in our communities,†said Senator Turner. “Requiring scrap metal businesses to maintain certain records concerning scrap metal purchases will provide law enforcement with an effective crime fighting tool, allowing them to more easily track down thieves and helping to stem the frequency in which scrap metal crimes occur.â€
The bill, S2162, would revise the law concerning scrap metal businesses by requiring that scrap metal businesses maintain records of all scrap metal purchases for at least five years. Current law requires records of receipts or purchases of scrap metal to be maintained only for purchases in excess of 100 pounds or $50.
