Dave Mitchell, vice president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (center) explains to the Crime Committee the steps his industry is recommending to curb metal theft. |
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Crime Committee Combats Metal Theft Teaming with Local Recyclers and SPD
Stopping thieves was the agenda of the Security and Crime Abatement Committee when they met with Sacramento Police and representatives from local scrap metal companies on May 7 to discuss metal theft prevention and detection.
Managers from Schnitzer Steel and Sims Metal, the world’s largest metal recyclers, and a representative from Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) said that the best methods of deterring thieves from selling stolen property are communication and identification. The sooner metal theft is reported to law enforcement and to ISRI’s online reporting system, recyclers will be on the lookout for the stolen items that may have been brought in for recycling. Since scrap metal is processed and shipped within three days, timing is crucial.
On a recent “Business Walk,” the most common complaint was about crime, and the most common crime was copper and other metal theft. One police captain said many businesses that haven’t experienced this yet are likely to in the near future.
MARK YOUR PROPERTY!
Police and recyclers at the recent meeting said businesses should log any serial numbers or spray paint distinguishing marks on air conditioning coils, copper pipes, and plates (even in rooftop units), sprinkler backflow valves and brass caps over fire hose valves. They should use a unique marking system, such as two colors or a symbol. When property is easily identified, recyclers are less likely to accept it.
In case of theft, victims should immediately report stolen items to Sacramento Police online Crime Report www.sacpd.org, then e-mail a detailed report and description of stolen goods to ISRI at theftalert@isri.org. E-mail broadcast theft alerts are sent to metal recyclers and agencies across Northern California.
The Power Inn Alliance is reviewing pending legislation that will mandate specific policies for metal recyclers in California, such as obtaining a thumbprint and photo from anyone turning in metal products for recycling. Currently each city and county adopts individual programs. Schnitzer and Sims Metal both have comprehensive systems that photo the seller, the materials purchased, along with a copy of the seller’s identification and signature. The Crime Committee suggests that all recyclers in the Power Inn Area do the same.
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Bike to Work |
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Got a Date? Here are Some Good Looking Ones
May 14 – GROW YOUR BOTTOMLINE SEMINAR, 9 – 11:00 am, Sacramento Recycling. The Alliance is teaming up with the city’s Economic Development Dept. for this free “How To” seminar on benefiting financially if you’re located in the new Clean Tech Enterprise Zone. Learn about employee, training and tax benefits. Repeats on June 11. RSVP: 808-5448.
May 15 - BIKE-TO-WORK DAY (bike home too). May is Bike-To-Work Month.
May 28 – THE MIXER’S AT LAWNMAN, 4:30 – 6:30 pm, 4181 Power Inn Rd. Join us for food, drinks, prizes and contacts. Members/nonmembers invited. $10 at the door. RSVP: 453-8888.
May 30 – MEET THE CONTENDERS, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Jose Rizal Center, Florin Mall. Have lunch with BOTH Heather Fargo and Kevin Johnson as The Alliance joins other south area Business Improvement Districts to present this candidates’ forum. Reservations a must. RSVP by 5/23: 453-8888.
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