Stricter SC laws on scrap metal sees fewer thefts

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — A new South Carolina law requiring people to get a permit before selling scrap metal is starting to cut down on copper thefts.

The Herald-Journal of Spartanburg reports (http://bit.ly/H6LVaC ) Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright says copper theft is down about 15 percent in the county.

Copper is selling for high prices of up to $3 a pound, an law officers say many thieves are destroying air-conditioning units, farm equipment and other property to sell the copper parts inside for cash.

South Carolina law enforcement officers sought the new state law to cut down on thefts.

Scrap copper sellers and recyclers must have permits from their local sheriff to legally sell or buy copper, aluminum and catalytic converters. For sellers, it’s also illegal to transport the metal without the permit.