A new law to help crack down on copper and other metal thefts is progressing in Lexington. The Lexington-Herald Leader reports the Urban County Council gave tentative approval of a revised ‘scrap metal’ ordinance Thursday night. The original proposal called for a ‘sellers license.’ Greg Dixon with Baker Iron and Metal says the modified ordinance doesn’t include such that provision.
“What you can’t do is to have an ordinance in one county..that would be so challenging for the customer to sell the product that you would force the customer to go to another county to sell his product…so that’s why the license is such a big issue for just one county,” said Dixon.
Dixon says the new proposal calls for closer communication between police and dealers to help ensure the metal is not stolen. He says scrap metal dealers plan to hire additional security for on-site enforcement. Vehicle identification numbers on junk cars will be more fully cataloged..
“Taking a picture of the VIN on a car…as we purchase it as we already record it…and report it to the national web site..but it will require a picture of the VIN,” added Dixon.
The scrap metal ordinance is expected to receive a final vote next Thursday.
