13 days ago
PALATKA, FL -- Copper and metal thefts are on the rise throughout many cities in Florida.
A new state law will take aim at scrap yards.
The law passed during the last legislative session. It will go into effect in October.
Metal buyers will be required to collect fingerprints, car information and pictures of the scrap metal from the people they're buying from.
The new law comes after thieves have reportedly stolen everything from copper wires to manhole covers across the state.
Now, Palatka is considering changing its local laws regarding the sale of metal.
Palatka Police say Deloris Major and Derek Hill are the latest individuals arrested for metal theft in the city.
Police say Tuesday the two stole units and parts from five air conditioners and took them to John's Metals, a scrap yard.
This time, the mayor's brother was the victim. The thieves took two of his units.
Palatka Mayor Karl Flagg said this is the last straw.
"It's an epidemic and it's out of control," Flagg said.
According to Palatka Police Assistant Chief James Griffith, metal thefts this past year have doubled in Palatka over the previous year.
Right now in Palatka, according to Griffith, a scrap yard is only required to ask for photo identification from the person selling the metal.
However, an employee at John's Metals said she did more than that. She said she asked Major if the items she was bringing in were stolen. The employee said Major told her they were not stolen.
However, Flagg doubts the employees at John's Metals believed the items on Tuesday were not stolen.
Flagg said, "I think there are individuals who seek minimum standards, look for gray areas and loopholes. But I think a sound, prudent business person would be doubly sure that their items are owned by the individuals bringing them in." The mayor and the police are considering beefing up Palatka's metal selling laws.
Griffith said, "There are jurisdictions out there that have additional ordinances on the books, municipal and county ordinances that require certain things from the metal recycling facilities and those persons who bring the stuff in to sell it."
Griffith said some people in Palatka are considering requiring a person who sells metal to get a permit first.
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