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Bill vs scrap metal theft passes the Legislature
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Posted on Oct 30 2006
The rising incidence of scrap metal theft on Saipan has prompted legislation that would require recycling business to record and report purchases of these products.
Both houses of the Legislature have passed House Bill 15-164, or the proposed Recycling Reporting Act. The bill is awaiting the governor’s approval.
The measure seeks to mandate recycling business owners to keep a record of information regarding the person selling scrap metal and the purchase transaction. Personal information that will be collected from scrap metal sellers includes name, date of birth, sex, height, weight, race and address. Identification will also be required.
“The Legislature finds that recycling scrap metal is a necessity in the Commonwealth due to its growing population and environmental impact,” the bill states.
“The Legislature [however] finds that there has been a proliferation of crimes involving theft of metal products and materials. Some of these incidents involve taking metal from fully functioning products such as an air conditioner rather than taking the entire air conditioning unit. It appears that the intent is to sell the metal product for cash. Accordingly, the practice of recycling scrap metal must be encouraged but regulated, to prevent abuse and the commission or concealment of a crime,” adds the proposed legislation.
The Department of Public Safety recently expressed alarm an increase in copper theft cases.
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp., which has fallen prey to copper thieves, has reportedly spent at least $20,000 in repair and replacement costs.
“Copper theft is a growing problem and is affecting everyone in the community not only the businesses or government agencies targeted by these criminals,” said DPS acting information officer Sgt. Thomas A. Blas Jr. “The victims of these crimes are private businesses and government property and or establishments.”
Recycling centers reportedly buy copper at $3 to $4 per pound.
