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DATE: October 24, 2006
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: LIMITING REWARDS FOR METAL THEFT IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

SUMMARY:
Overview
This past summer the County of San Diego witnessed a drastic increase in thefts pertaining to a wide range of metals, specifically metal used in vases at cemetery gravesites. These stolen metals are then turned into local recyclers in exchange for a quick profit. State laws are in place that require recyclers or junk dealers to keep a written record of the items sold and also properly identify the seller.

Due to the recent incidents of these thefts, it is very likely that some recyclers in San Diego County may be unaware of the current laws in place. It is possible that too many recyclers are not recording what they receive and in the end the laws are not being consistently followed or enforced. Therefore, the County must do everything within its authority to ensure the selling of stolen goods is not rewarded.

Today’s action will direct County Counsel to draft a letter to be signed by the Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, to all the mayors in San Diego County reminding them of the state law and encouraging them to remind the recyclers in their respective jurisdictions of the state requirements. It will also direct County Counsel to investigate any additional ordinances that could be helpful in the investigation of these crimes and in the recovery of stolen property.

Recommendations
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB

  1. Direct County Counsel to draft a letter for signature by the Chairman to all the Mayors within San Diego County, reminding them of the State law while also encouraging them to point it out to the recyclers in their jurisdiction.
  2. Direct County Counsel to research any additional ordinance in coordination with the District Attorney and the Sheriff, that would be helpful in facilitating the investigation of such crimes and also aid in the property recovery process.

Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact related to this proposal.

Background
This past summer the County of San Diego witnessed a drastic increase in thefts pertaining to a wide range of metals, specifically metal used in vases at cemetery gravesites. In July, Singing Hills Memorial Park was vandalized three times and had over 160 vases stolen from their cemetery. In addition, numerous metals such as pipes, wiring, or even manhole covers have become a hot commodity as the prices of metal have soared this year. This year alone, over 70 brass valves have been reported stolen from the City of San Diego compared to only one that was stolen in 2005. These stolen metals are then turned into local recyclers in exchange for a quick profit.

State laws are in place that require recyclers or junk dealers to keep a written record of the items sold and to properly identify the seller, under state Business and Professions Codes §21600-21609. Failure to keep such a record would result in punishment of a misdemeanor for secondhand metal dealers. In addition, state law allows the citation of a misdemeanor to persons who knowingly give false information as to the person’s identity or regarding the ownership of the items to be sold.

Due to the recent incidents of these thefts, it is very likely that some recyclers in San Diego County may be unaware of the current laws in place. It is possible that too many recyclers are not recording what they receive and in the end the laws are not being consistently followed or enforced. Many local Law Enforcement Agencies are also unaware that the right tools are in place to help them do their jobs. They have also expressed concerns with the recyclers not raising any red flags when somebody walks in with for instance over 50 vases. If something looks suspicious, the recyclers need to reconsider if they will accept the material. It is difficult to trace back the stolen material unless someone is caught in the act, and therefore, most of the responsibility lies in the hands of the recyclers.

Other Counties have added additional ordinances allowing for a recovery period of the material. This is done by requiring recyclers to hold the goods for a period of 72 hours before they can ship it from their stores allowing law enforcement more time to track the stolen goods.

Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter to be signed by the Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, to all the mayors in San Diego County reminding them of the state law and encouraging them to in turn remind the recyclers in their respective jurisdictions of the state requirements. It will also direct County Counsel to investigate any additional ordinances that could be helpful in the investigation of these crimes and in the recovery of stolen property.

The County must do everything within its authority to ensure that these crimes are halted and that the selling of stolen goods is no longer rewarded. I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District