Bill proposes fresh norms to curb scrap metal theft

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

March 24, 2016 04:46:06 AM

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): Northern Mariana Islands is to introduce a new legislation that aims to curb copper-wire theft. The Scrap Metal Inspection Act of 2016 proposes to amend Public Law 15-36 to deal with rising metal theft incidents including theft of items from island’s gravesites. The bill is being introduced by Rep. Angel Demapan, Member of the House of Representatives, Northern Mariana Islands.

According to Demapan, the bill proposes additional regulations which will make sale of copper wire and other high-value scrap metal to a recycler, more complicated. The sale of stolen goods can be curtailed only through introduction of additional regulations with regards to purchase transactions involving scrap metals.

The legislation requires individuals who want to sell scrap metal to a recycler must first have the item inspected and certified by the Department of Public Works. DPW officials are instructed to conduct thorough inspection of the material and issue valid certificate of inspection. The individual is required to produce this certificate to the recycling business prior to the purchase/sale transaction. It is unlawful for recyclers to indulge in any purchase transaction involving scrap metals that does not possess a certificate of inspection.

As per the bill, DPW is required to formulate rules and regulations to conduct inspections of scrap metal property. The Department is also required to thoroughly document and record every item. The database of the inspected items would prove helpful to police investigators in tracking the thieves responsible for the theft of the item. The bill would make it difficult for thieves to make money from stolen goods and will in turn deter such criminal acts, Demapan noted.