A newly signed law aimed at curbing the skyrocketing number of copper thefts across the Palmetto State mirrors similar legislation already in place across the river, where local law enforcement officers say thieves have been taking Aiken County copper for years.
The South Carolina law regulating booking practices takes effect in 60 days.
In 2009, the Georgia General Assembly made several updates to its law aimed at regulating similar documentation guidelines.
The South Carolina law requires much of the same requirements and will require sellers to obtain free permits from local law enforcement to sell copper, and recycle centers will be barred from buying copper from anyone who does not possess a permit.
Recycle centers are required to record information on each sale, including the seller's photograph, permit copy and license plate number.
In March, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office began requiring hauling permits of its own, aimed at giving local law enforcement officers the ability to inspect vehicles to see if motorists are transporting stolen metals.
Anyone hauling more than 25 pounds of nonferrous metals -- metals that do not contain a significant quantity of iron or steel and does not include stainless steel and nickel alloys -- must have an Aiken County permit.
Since March 21, deputies have issued 464 transport permits and dozens of citations for violating the permit requirements.
Capt. Troy Elwell, Aiken County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said the sheriff's office will continue to look for and cite those who do not have permits to haul the metal.
"We have been setting up officers on the roadways entering Georgia and stopping any vehicle hauling scrap to see if they have a permit," he said.
Despite the Georgia law, local law enforcement officers say metal is routinely transported across state lines for sale where lawmakers already require a person delivering copper show an ID that should be photocopied and scanned. Local officials say much of that is because the closest recycling centers to Aiken County are in Georgia.
Those purchasing the regulated metals, such as copper, must also describe and document the type of metal, document the seller's license plate number and vehicle, get a signed document and record the amount of money paid.
In Georgia, cash payments for copper are forbidden during the first 24 hours.
Check payments are allowed at anytime.
Under the South Carolina law, metal recycle centers cannot hand out cash for copper. All payments must be made by check.
It's unclear how the new legislation will impact Aiken County. Elwell said the tightened restrictions are welcome.
"With the price of metal continuing to go up, the thefts otherwise are going to continue to increase," he said.
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