Attorneys General from four states meet to discuss scrap metal theft

WASHINGTON (Scrap Monster): Attorneys General from the states of Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana met recently to discuss about the rising scrap metal theft incidents in the states. They also explored the possibilities of jointly fighting the menace. State Agency representatives including FBI officials too attended the meeting.

The number of scrap metal thefts, especially copper thefts has risen alarmingly in these estates recently. Irrigation systems and buildings are stripped for copper wires. The theft of catalytic converters from automobiles too has gone up sharply. The meeting noted that these thefts are costing thousands of dollars to farmers and building owners.

The meeting discussed about formulation of common laws applicable to all four states to curb such acts. It also explored the benefits of creating contacts among the law enforcement agencies and farmers in the four states.

Currently, Mississippi and Arkansas uses Metal Theft Investigations System which is an electronic reporting system that brings together law enforcement agencies and metal recyclers. The system allows sharing suspicious information and thus helping in tracking thefts.