NEW: Majority Leader Ruggerio’s Bill Targets Copper Theft
Friday, March 23, 2012
Soaring prices for various metals, especially copper, have turned a nuisance into a nightmare, with thefts skyrocketing in what the U.S. Department of Energy calls a $1 billion a year problem.
Providence, said Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, Providence, North Providence), is not immune, as foreclosures lead to more abandoned houses, easy prey for thieves who gut the buildings, turning copper pipes, gutters, wiring and air-conditioning units into cash.
Vacant buildings are not the only targets for copper thieves, who also are attracted to construction sites or buildings in difficult to secure areas.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTo address issues raised at a recent meeting with Providence City Councilman David Salvatore and Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements Jr., Senator Ruggerio and other members of the Providence Senate delegation have introduced legislation to take a bite out of copper crimes.
The “Copper Theft Prevention Act,” 2012-S 2805, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, would require secondary metals recyclers to obtain a license from the Attorney General’s office in order to purchase certain types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The licensed dealers would be required to keep comprehensive records of all transactions concerning regulated metals and would provide those to the chief of police of the community in which the business is located.
“Theft is already punishable under the law but to address this specific kind of theft, we must not only go after the thieves but also those businesses that are purchasing the stolen copper materials and thereby creating an impetus for more thefts. Licensing and reporting requirements, as provided in this bill, should help because if thieves have no easy place to move their stolen copper goods, they will stop stealing it,” said Leader Ruggerio.
Chief Clements said, “We thank our legislative leaders for sponsoring this bill which moves us in the right direction in curbing copper and metals thefts. This has become a significant law enforcement problem throughout the country. Many, including metal buyers, may not be aware of the magnitude of the problem. We don’t know the exact percentage, but certainly a portion of what they are buying are properties stolen from homeowners and we need to tighten the laws to protect our citizens.”
Secondary metal recyclers that would be licensed under the legislation would be prevented from entering into any cash transaction in excess of $500 in payment for regulated metals. Transactions over $500 would require recyclers to pay by check, which would record the name and address of the metals seller.
Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to a year. If the value of the property involved in the transaction is greater than $500, violators would face a $2,000 fine and/or up to three years in prison. The legislation gives the Attorney General the authority to suspend the license of any person convicted under the legislation.
Co-sponsors of the bill include other members of the Providence Senate delegation, including Sen. Paul V. Jabour (D-Dist. 5, Providence), Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence), Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence) and Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence).
