The Georgia Recyclers Association (GRA) is actively involved in the education of recyclers, law enforcement and other stakeholders about metals theft and has worked proactively for years to such thefts to a minimum in Georgia.
The GRA and its more-than 100 member firms have established working relationships with law enforcement and prosecutors that have been instrumental in the arrests and prosecutions of metal thieves.
We recognize that the theft of highway storm grates continues to be a costly problem for the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as to city and county governments. In addition to the replacement expense to Georgia taxpayers, the theft of grates creates a hazard to motorists and pedestrians.
GRA members and their employees are trained to be on the lookout for items such as storm grates and other items, and encourage that proper documentation be provided when purchasing these items from sellers other than government entities.
We also have been active in theft prevention. Among the best prevention practices are to encourage property owners to “mark their metals” with identifying marks that discourage theft, and to assist prosecutors to positively identifystolen metal. The GRA commends GDOT in its efforts to mark storm grates and other metal property with the agency’s name, and also installing these in a manner that makes theft much more difficult.
We are committed to working with GDOT and other property owners to educate our members about these items, and what markings to be alert for.
In addition to Georgia Recyclers, other entities are involved in the fight against metal theft. The Southeast Metal Theft Task Force (www.southeastmetalthefttaskforce.com) and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (www.scraptheftalert.com) offer web-based alerts that are emailed to law enforcement and recyclers upon the theft of metal. These alerts have been very effective getting timely information out about thefts and have led to numerous arrests and prosecutions.
Georgia has numerous aggressive laws on the books concerning the purchase of regulated metal properties, including major changes made in 2009 and 2012. Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement and positive working relationships with Georgia recyclers, these laws have successfully helped reduce metal theft crimes.
The GRA is proud of the positive working relationships cultivated over the years between law enforcement and the recycling industry in Georgia. We are committed to this relationship and look forward to continuing this work through cooperative efforts and ongoing training opportunities. The GRA also will continue to advocate for the enforcement of existing laws and for harsh penalties for criminals who cause this expensive and dangerous situation.
Rick Caldwell is president of the Georgia Recyclers Association.
