The market for scrap metals is at an all-time high. Metal is valuable merchandise for a theif looking for an easy way to make some extra cash.
Copper’s value fluctuates on a daily basis but is worth about $2 a pound at local recycling facilities. Depending on the make and model of a converter, they range from $40 to $100.
Officials have received multiple reports on scrap metal thefts as metal values continue to rise.
Fran Robbins, employee of Robbin’s Recycling recently reported metal theft at the recycling center located on Hwy. 119 in Calvin, KY.
Robbins said that the company took extra security measures to divert possible burglars. Bars were added to the front door and window, and security cameras were placed around the property.
Unfortunatly, after the security upgrades, a group of masked men knocked down Robbins’ newly secured door using an axe and hack saw. Surveillance of the intruders shows them wrestlying for 21 minutes with the heavily barred door. Once inside, they made a swift getaway with numerous catalytic converters.
The interest lies within the product. A metal wiring inside the converter is made of silver platinum, the same expensive platinum that is used to make jewelry. Unfortunately, they are not marked with a serial number that would allow investigators to identify them with the rightful owner. Upon inspection, converters can be linked to the make and model of the vehicle they were removed from, but nothing further.
Burglars of Robbin’s Recycling are still at large because a link cannot be made between the converter and it’s owner. This crime is far too reoccuring, because of the gaps in the identification process.
Brandi Stamper, employee of Roy’s Recycling had a similar story about scrap metal thieves. Her employing facility was robbed as well.
A group of individuals came to the business after hours, cut through the chain link fencing and removed what metal they could.
State legislators are doing all they can to deter these potential metal thieves. A law passed in July regulates recycling facilities across the state. New law requires anyone selling metal products to a recycling company to show photo identification. Description of the seller’s vehi cle and tag number are also recorded.
“Any that come in now, cooperate. If they don’t, then there’s something wrong with our exchange,” said Robbins.
Stamper agreed,”This new law helps us a lot! We can’t violate state law and they [sellers] know that upon entering.”
Recycling businesses want the public to know that they should report missing metal to the police. Without a police report, recycling companies have to accept metal even if they believe it to be stolen.
Sarah Miracle is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.
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