SHERMAN, TX–There’s a new Texas law to crack down on Copper theft. Lawmakers passed it to protect the property of homeowners and utility companies.
Customers are now required to provide documentation when bringing A/C units or other copper materials to a scrap yard.
Homeowners must show a proof of purchase or other paperwork to prove that a central heating or air conditioning unit is theirs.
License air-conditioning professionals are also authorized to recycle copper.
“The whole purpose of this law is to curb theft and to try to eliminate some of that, which we feel is a good thing,” James Reed said, 82 Metal Recyclers manager “Obviously, we don’t want to buy anything that’s stolen. Hopefully this helps law enforcement crack down on some of these people who have been taking this air conditioners and putting people out of pocket–or their insurance company–or what have you”
Metal recyclers must keep an item for 72 hours to five days from the date of purchase. Texas Senate Bill 694 has been in effect since September 1st.
Jen French, KTEN News
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Mr Whitmire
Thanks for the return. I received my state license for A/C in 1998 at that time
it was elligal to have more than ten pounds on a truck or auto. Unless you had
a bill of sale. What the thugs are doing is going, steeling at night. We have
had 11 units stolen at our Church. I think it will stop them if they cannot get rid
of the scrap copper. If no market without a state license number showing the
reason why in possession. By law they can be arrested for having more than 10
pounds when showing up at a scrap metal place. Thanks Roy Watson