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approval in late 2011. At that point, the cooperative had incurred nearly $200,000 in copper theft damage. Since the creation of the rewards program, five copper theft criminals have been convicted and received felony sentences, according to Jim Coleman, SEC’s director of marketing and member services. Coleman says membership engagement has made the program succesful, with the number of copper theft occurrences decreasing significantly.


“We also give real credit to our board and management for responding to the situation,” Coleman says. “We knew it would take something bold to get the amount of eyes and ears we needed out in the field.” An increased copper theft awareness and involvement from local law enforcement have resulted as part of SEC’s efforts. The co-op is closely working with the local sheriff’s office as well as with the county’s district attorney’s office. One way SEC and law enforcement work together is by setting up “sting opearations” in which a co-op trailer and copper wire are used to snag copper thieves.


Laying down the law


In February, legislation was reintroduced at the federal level that would make metal theft a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. It would also require sellers to show proof that they own or are authorized to sell the metal, and recyclers would need to have “a reasonable basis to believe” that the documentation is valid. Dealers found in violation would face a civil penalty of up to $10,000.


Forty-eight states already have metal theft laws, including Oklahoma. Just recently, House Bill 1740 provided amendments to the exisiting Oklahoma Scrap Metal Act. The bill was signed by Gov. Mary Fallin on May 13, 2013, and it will go into effect on November 1, 2013. Among other provisions, the bill places all scrap metal dealers under the authority of the Department of Agriculture and creates a license procedure and issuance required for all scrap metal dealers in Oklahoma. The bill also establishes that—in some cases—those violating the provisions of the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Act may be convicted of felonies.


“There’s no one solution to metal theft,” Sparks concludes. “A combination of tougher laws, smarter prevention tactics, and observant consumer-members is necessary to prevent this activity.”


Highlights of the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Act


3 Scrap metal dealers are under the authority of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.


3 Scrap metal dealers are prohibited from entering into cash transactions in excess of $1,000.


3 Conviction for violation of any provision of the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Act can lead to fines, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.


3 Scrap Metal licenses are valid for a period of one year only for the business location specified on the application. A separate license is required for each scrap metal dealer location.


                       


JULY 2013 7 Price  Bonus Bucks¹


 


‘12 TRX420TM RANCHER 


Price Bonus Bucks¹ After Bonus Bucks: $3,999 


‘12 TRX420FM RANCHER 


Price Bonus Bucks¹ After Bonus Bucks: $4,999  ‘12 BIG RED MUV700


 


$10,499* $500


After Bonus Bucks: $9,999 


$5,299* $300


$4,299* $300


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