Scrap yard owners are raising concerns about proposed new guidelines aimed at preventing metal thefts. Legislation at the Capitol would require scrap yards to keep detailed records of who is selling them metal. Darren Engbring with the Wisconsin Institute of Scrap Recycling admits it's a growing problem and the industry should play an active role in tracking down thieves.
Scrap metal thefts have risen this year because of increasing prices. Police frequently run into problems at scrap yards, because they're not required to keep track of who is selling to them.
Engbring says the bill will help, but believes other efforts are needed. He's suggesting a system for notifying scrap yards when a metal theft has taken place, so they can watch out for customers trying to sell similar items. He also believes the public needs to take steps to protect valuable metals often targeted by thieves, since many people don't realize how valuable some materials can be when sold as scrap.
The bill is being considered by the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities.