Governor Signs Legislation Toughening Copper Theft Penalties

REBIC, the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® and the North Carolina Home Builders Association all supported this legislation which will help deter criminals from stealing nonferrous metals as it will cut down on the ease of getting fast money by:

1. Requiring metals recyclers to be permitted;

2. Adding a penalty for purchasing metals without a permit to go after rogue buyers;

3. Requiring only check payment for copper so there is no “fast money”;

4. Requiring the metals recycler to take a photo of the seller and the metals being sold; and

5. Protecting the innocent property owners by releasing the owner from any reasonable civil liability and requires restitution to property owners for the damage done by the thief.