Ohio Courts Network introduces ‘data sharing’ tool to tackle scrap metal theft

EUCLID (Scrap Monster): The Ohio Courts Network has introduced a new data sharing mechanism to crack down on rising scrap metal theft incidents in the State. The new “Do Not Buy from Convicted Thieves” list will provide a detailed list of those who have been convicted of scrap metal thefts so far. The list is being prepared in partnership with the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The new database complies with the 2008 state law that prohibits scrap metal dealers from purchasing scrap metal from known thieves. The law required scrap dealers to check the seller credentials against government records before purchasing scrap metals in bulk quantities.

The Ohio Courts Network has already made available to the database, nearly 270,000 theft convictions from nearly 196 courts. The data not provided by the network will be collected by the Public Safety Department in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and non-participating courts. The Courts Network will ensure that the list is updated every week.

The new development is expected to deliver effective and comprehensive data sharing to all industry participants. The “Do Not Buy from Convicted Thieves” list is intended to help scrap metal dealers to combat theft. Incidentally, Ohio is one of the states with highest number of metal theft claims.