North Carolina Lawmakers Look to Tackle Copper Theft

Lawmakers in western North Carolina are looking to make it tougher for copper thieves to sell scrap metal, and they’re getting creative about how to get it done.

The News Herald of Morganton reported that state Rep. Hugh Blackwell, R-Burke, wants to model new laws on similar regulations in South Carolina.

Recycling centers in South Carolina must get more information from people selling metal, and must pay for it by sending a check through the mail.

Blackwell said copper thefts in parts of North Carolina are soaring, with such crimes accounting for up to 10 percent of all reported thefts in Burke County.

The General Assembly cannot pass new laws during this year’s short session, so Blackwell said he hopes to amend a bill dealing with commercial grease theft.