Michigan governor signs bill to block scrap metal thefts

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed
legislation intended to crack down on sales of stolen scrap metal,
widely cited as a motive for destructive vandalism in Detroit.
Michigan
scrapyards that buy copper wire, air conditioners and catalytic
converters will only be able to pay sellers by mail for sales of more
than $25.
"We cannot allow metal thieves to damage our homes,
farms, utilities, businesses, schools and other public properties,"
Snyder said in a statement. "By damaging traffic signals, street lights
and road signs, these criminals endanger Michiganders. We’ve been
working with our partners in the Legislature from both sides of the
aisle on this critical issue for two years to find a solution that
protects residents and law-abiding people in the industry."
Scrapyards
will have to take photos or video of metal they buy. Sellers could only
be paid by check or money order, or they could redeem their money at an
onsite ATM.
In Michigan, especially Detroit, thieves are
targeting abandoned dwellings, construction sites and even occupied
premises to strip copper wiring, plumbing, window air conditioners and
the like.
The number of reported crimes nearly tripled between 2011 and
2012.
Snyder and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan called for action on
the issue that was worked on for more than 2 ½ years before legislators
struck a deal last month.
"This is a common-sense solution to make
sure we address crime across the state while allowing honest people to
continue a legitimate way of making a living," said House Speaker Jase
Bolger, R-Marshall. "I spent some time recently walking through
neighborhoods in Detroit and saw houses literally stripped of metals and
neighborhoods stripped bare of everything but blight.
"This is a good day not just for Detroit but for the entire state as we address the problem of scrap
metal theft."
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