The City Council Tuesday approved a resolution in support of a state bill that seeks to regulate the purchase and sale of certain metals by junk dealers and recyclers.
The resolution, introduced March 7 by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Councilman John Lee, was approved unanimously. Council members supported AB 476, citing what they say is an ongoing challenge with thefts of copper, brass and other metals from street lights, tombstones, fire hydrants and transit rail lines.
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According to the resolution, these surges in theft of precious metals are a result of organized criminals that use social media to coordinate their activities and hit multiple locations simultaneously. The issue is further exacerbated when some recycling centers and scrap yards receive and resell stolen metals.
Los Angeles Police Department officials previously recovered approximately $46,000 worth of stolen copper and aluminum from a single recycling center in the San Fernando Valley.
Authored by Assemblyman Mark Gonzalez, D-Los Angeles, the bill would mandate requirements for recordkeeping and restrictions on who can sell metals to such businesses. It would also prohibit junk dealers and recyclers from purchasing nonferrous metals from individuals under 18 years of age and prohibit the sale of scrap metal copper by individuals without a valid license.
The bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on May 23. Further consideration on the item is required by legislators.
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