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fayobserver.com
Robeson commissioners OK stricter rules for pawn shops, scrap metal dealers
By Jaclyn Shambaugh
March 21, 2011
What happened: The board unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night requiring stricter bookkeeping regulations for pawn shops and scrap metal dealers in the county, requiring more information about sellers and the items being exchanged at such retailers.
Why it matters: The new ordinance, due to become effective 30 days after its approval, requires pawn shops and scrap metal dealers to keep records of every transaction handled through the business. The ordinance requires information such as name and address of the customer, value of the exchange, and the description, including model name and serial number of items involved in the exchange. The ordinance implements an online element to record-keeping, requiring pawn shops to post transaction information online through LeadsOnline within one business day. The online service, used by law enforcement to track stolen property that might have been sold to such establishments, acts as a database of items involved in transactions at these businesses. Scrap metal dealers will be required to submit such information to LeadsOnline at the request of the Sheriff's Department. The Fayetteville Police Department currently uses the service, said Lt. Deryl Little of the Robeson County Sheriff's Department, who spoke at the meeting. Hal Kinlaw, the county attorney, said that future amendments to the ordinance might be possible to address transactions at jewelry stores and thrift shops.
What they said: "This mirrors the state law, and in some ways even surpasses it in that it requires pawnbrokers to report transactions online," Kinlaw said.
Other business: The board unanimously approved two proposals to use incentives to try to bring two industries called Project Agri and Project Flour to the county. Project Agri is a $1.3 million project investing in machinery and equipment designed to create 30 jobs. Project Flour is a $3.5 million project aimed at creating 150 jobs, a marker that must be maintained for two years to keep the incentives in place.