ISRI says state laws reflect industry efforts to end metals theft

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, touted the growing use of ScrapTheftAlert.com as a victory in the fight against metals theft as National Crime Prevention Month drew to a close in October. According to ISRI, in addition to the more than 18,000 registered users, including more than 7,500 law enforcement officials, six states have signed laws requiring use of the alert system.

“ScrapTheftAlert.com is a proven and successful tool for law enforcement, private security and the recycling industry as we work together to stop metals theft,” says ISRI Director of Law Enforcement Outreach Brady Mills, who just returned from demonstrating the free alert system at the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference. “The more law enforcement officers who register and use the system, the greater the likelihood that recyclers are able to help recover stolen materials. It sends a strong message to thieves that stolen property will be turned away by legitimate scrap yards, and thieves will be turned over to police.”

In September, California became the sixth state to codify the use of ScrapTheftAlert.com. California AB 2312 requires all recyclers to register and receive theft alerts from ScrapTheftAlert.com starting Jan. 1, 2015, and encourages local law enforcement to use the system to report metal thefts that occur within their jurisdictions.

“We are pleased with this outcome, including the efforts of the bill’s author, our members and our advocates in securing the passage of this crucial piece of legislation,” says Edward Kangeter, CEO of CASS Inc. and president of ISRI’s West Coast Chapter. “With the placement of ScrapTheftAlert.com into law as California’s official metal theft reporting system, ISRI has significantly validated its image as an organization of industry members who are committed to solving the problem of metal theft.”

ScrapTheftAlert.com allows law enforcement (and certain corporate security personnel) to post alerts that are sent to users within a 100-mile radius of the theft location. The alerts contain a description of the stolen material, value, pictures if available and contact information for the reporting agency. Recyclers can then be on the lookout for the materials entering their yards.