SALEM— House Republicans announced today they will introduce legislation in 2009 to
combat metal theft. The legislation will include several components, including stronger antitheft
laws and law enforcement tools, tougher sentencing, and more effective guidelines on how
metal can be sold and transported.
“Metal theft is an escalating problem in Oregon that is costing businesses and taxpayers millions
of dollars,” said Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “While we made
progress in 2007, more work needs to be done to protect businesses, schools, public and private
art and our infrastructure.”
The legislation will modify the existing statute of First Degree Theft to include any amount of
metal stolen, better enabling district attorneys to prosecute and convict metal thieves. It would
create a new crime of aggravated criminal mischief that carries a mandatory minimum sentence
of 36 months.
“This legislation will send a strong message to those who steal and sell publicly- and privatelyowned
metals for a profit,” said Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), a co-sponsor. “Our solution will
force metal thieves to think twice before they steal from our farmers, small business owners,
utilities and Oregon taxpayers.”
The House Republican plan will clarify purchasing guidelines to prohibit recyclers and scrap
metal dealers from receiving any coated metal that had been melted, or wiring that had the
coating burned off. Further, the legislation will direct district attorneys to develop county
“action plans” with local law enforcement and local recyclers and scrap metal dealers.
“We can’t combat metal theft without a strong partnership of law enforcement officers and metal
purchasers,” said Rep. Scott Bruun (R-West Linn), a co-sponsor. “Through local planning and
coordination, purchasers can be alerted to thefts within 24 hours of an incident and law
enforcement can take quick action to locate stolen property.”
The House Republican plan will also give law enforcement greater tools to catch thieves who are
transporting stolen metal on Oregon’s roads. The legislation will require transporters to carry
certification for the metal, as is currently required for livestock and agricultural products. It will
also amend existing statutes to enable law enforcement to track and arrest suspected thieves.
“Our bill will cripple the metal theft industry by keeping the thieves off our roads and
highways,” said Rep. Vic Gilliam (R-Molalla), a co-sponsor. “Thieves can’t sell stolen property
when they can’t reach the dealers and recyclers.”
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