Primary navigation
15660 N Dallas Parkway #800, Dallas, TX 75248
Toll-Free: (800) 311-2656
Phone: (972) 361-0900
Fax: (972) 361-0901
azstarnet.com
State effort to end thefts of metal deserves support
Our view: New controls on scrap dealers can alleviate costly, dangerous problem
By Arizona Daily Star
January 29, 2012
We often shake our heads in wonder at the ways government spends our money and how the Legislature spends its time.
But today we praise the state's efforts to end metal thefts.
It's a costly and even dangerous problem that affects all of us. Streetlights are out along busy roads, and ball fields in parks are dark - all because thieves have stolen the copper wiring.
Businesses and vacant homes have had air-conditioning units stripped of their metal. The theft of a water backflow device that yields less than $100 for a crook can cost a small business thousands to replace.
It added up to a $30 million problem in the city of Phoenix last year alone. In Tucson, the parks department spent more than $100,000 last year replacing wiring at 12 parks, and others were on the waiting list.
The Legislature passed laws in 2007 to require that metal recyclers check the seller's ID and get a fingerprint. Payment must be made by check to a physical address.
That hasn't stopped the thefts, though, so lawmakers are considering a new approach. HB 2395 would prohibit scrap-metal dealers from purchasing air-conditioning components except from industrial sellers.
One of the bill's prime sponsors is Tucson Republican Ted Vogt.
An owner of a recycling firm told The Associated Press that the proposed law won't help because it will affect only reputable scrap dealers.
We don't know whether Vogt's bill is an answer - that can be sorted out in hearings as the bill makes its way through committee. But Vogt should be applauded for trying to find a new tool to crack down on metal thefts.
Credit also goes to the state Department of Public Safety, which spent $100,000 to upgrade a database that local law enforcement can access directly.
According to a story by Arizona Daily Star reporter Jamar Younger, LeadsOnline gives officers access to more information about people who have sold to metal recyclers. The recyclers already had to keep records that included sellers' names, dates, photos and other information.
Given the magnitude of the thefts, the $100,000 upgrade is money well-spent.
It's also up to the law-abiding public to help stop the crooks, who have become more wily. They wear orange vests and put cones around areas where they're stealing wire to make it appear they are legitimate workers. Take a second look at their uniforms and their vehicles. If they're unmarked, the "workers" may be up to no good.
Call 911 if you suspect a crime is being committed.
Additionally, CenturyLink and Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead directly to the arrest and prosecution of anyone stealing the company's cable. Call 88-CRIME if you have a tip.
It's going to take the efforts of the Legislature, law-enforcement and the public to stop the destruction.