New law on copper

AUGUST 18, 2011 11:15 a.m. (0)

It took copper thieves a matter of minutes to make off with a five-ton air conditioning unit from a Cedar Lane dentist’s office in recent weeks, a notable crime in the long line of thefts related to the pricey metal since the start of the great recession.

It is a trend that law enforcement hopes will be curbed as a new law concerning the purchase, transportation and sale of scrap copper went into effect this week.

“The biggest deterrent, I think, is the requirement that scrap buyers no longer pay cash for copper,” said Sgt. O.B. Smith, of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

Under the new rules copper sellers must register with the sheriff to get a permit and provide a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a picture of the vehicle used to transport the material. Copper purchasers are required to ask for the permit, make a copy, and crosscheck all pertinent information. They are also required to keep a description of the materials purchased.

“Requiring the scrap buyers to pay for copper with a check takes away one of the primary incentives for drug addicts,” he said. “They’re after quick cash to take to their dealers for another fix. Most don’t have the ability to easily cash a check.”

Keith Looper operates K&S Services out of his home off Saluda Dam Road. He worked repairing damages done at the dentist’s office and at other crime scenes on the west side of town.

“Last time I looked No. 2 copper was selling for $285 a pound and No. 1 copper at over $300,” Looper said. “With that kind of money involved you can see why AC units are a great draw for thieves.”