Stop Metal Theft Task Force created to Combat Rising Tide of Metal Theft

EAST POINT (January 27, 2009). – Georgia General Assembly leaders banned together today to crack down on rampant metal thefts around the state and in hopes of calling attention to this nation-wide issue. State Senator Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, announced the formation of the Stop Metal Theft Task Force to combat the rising problem of recycled metals being stolen from homes, cars and even graveyards.

“Metal theft is a wide-spread problem in Georgia and other states across the nation,” said Murphy. “Thefts increase during downturns in the economy and this situation is quickly escalating to a crisis. Home builders and vehicle owners are particularly at risk and we must do everything we can to help prevent more crimes.”

Joe Bulat, 24 yr. veteran of Atlanta PD and Director of Security, Schnitzer Steel, outlined the scope of the metal theft problem in the area and explained how the task force will fight the problem and put thieves and their black marketers behind bars. The task force’s work will be maximized by the STOP METAL THEFT (SMT) ™ website, which has been dubbed the MySpace of metal theft. Items that are typically at risk include catalytic converters, copper piping in vacant homes, copper coils and wires in air-conditioning units and platinum.

Gwinnett County is a leading example in Georgia of the brazenness of thieves. Criminals in 2008 pulled hundreds of pounds of underground wiring that power the outdoor lamps at five popular parks. Electricians who repaired the electrical systems believe the crooks used trucks to pull the heavy wiring from the ground.

Authorities across the country also have linked metal thefts to the illegal drug trade. Recyclable metals are now valuable enough to be attractive to drug users who formerly may have stolen jewelry and other valuables from homes to support their habits.

“Criminals see metal thefts to be easy and hard to trace,” said website founder Maria Strollo Zack, of The Strollo Group. “Not any more! STOP METAL THEFT (SMT) ™ Task Forces are impeding the proliferation of these kinds of thefts and putting criminals where they belong – in jail!”

Metal theft can also be deadly for those who commit it. A 36-year-old Rockmart man died Nov. 8 as he was trying to cut copper cable from a Georgia Power pole in Floyd County, police said.

The Georgia law that took effect July 1, 2007 provides prosecutors with more ability to seek a felony conviction of thieves, rather than a misdemeanor. The law allows prosecutors to go after the full cost of restoring the property to its condition before the theft, rather than just the cost of the metal. The new law also compels those convicted to make full restitution to the owner. In passing the law, Georgia joined more than 20 other states that are aggressively pursuing those who traffic in stolen metals.

State Senator Seth Harp proposed additional legislation today for seizing vehicles and tools of the criminals that were used during the crime and creating a registry for metal thieves so they will be known throughout their neighborhoods.

“GA is a model state in the country in reducing metal theft crimes,” said Harp. “The two bills I’m proposing today will strengthen our laws and shut this black market down. We must stop those who prey upon the vulnerability of others and protect our communities.”

The Atlanta Region Stop Metal Theft Task Force is modeled after the Macon-Middle Georgia Theft Committee that was formed in November 2006 and has received national acclaim for its success in driving down the number of metal theft incidents. The National Crime Prevention Council said the Macon organization is a “stellar” example of a community stake-holders banding together to address a common threat.

The task forces forming across Georgia will go after the criminals who steal metal from homes, businesses, graveyards, streets and even electrical substations and sell it on the black market. The group’s work will be enhanced by the STOP METAL THEFT (SMT) ™ website, which enables members to communicate while eliminating the need for administrative support. The alert system allows a businesses or government hit by a theft to send an alert to the task force administrators with extensive information that identifies the stolen materials. The alerts will put recyclers on notice that identifiable materials have been stolen. Unscrupulous buyers know they place themselves at risk of prosecution if they knowingly purchase stolen materials.

To learn more about the task forces, go to www.stopmetalthefts.com. The website was created and designed by Maria Strollo Zack, of The Strollo Group www.strollogroup.com, while serving on the lobbying team promoting stronger penalties for those convicted of metal thefts. The lobby team was responsible for the passage of Georgia Senate Bill 203 in 2007 making felony convictions easier by assessing the true cost of the crime rather than the scrap value previously utilized for the arrest. This creates a felony conviction where previously one might have been charged with a misdemeanor crime.

Sen. Jack Murphy serves as the chairman of the Public Safety Committee. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Forsyth counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7127 or via e-mail at jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov.