What is South Fulton Doing to Combat Copper Theft?

The City of South Fulton has a new ordinance aimed at curbing the theft of copper and other semi-precious metals by imposing stricter regulations on recycling businesses.

🔍 Why It Matters: Metal theft, particularly copper and catalytic converters, has been a growing concern for residents and businesses. This ordinance could help reduce crime and protect property by making it harder for thieves to profit from stolen metals.

🏛️ What’s Happening:

• The ordinance requires recycling businesses to collect detailed identifying information from sellers.
• It passed with a unanimous 6-0 vote in the City Council meeting.

📊 Between the Lines:

• The new rules shift responsibility to recyclers for verifying the legitimacy of metal sales.
• This approach could make it easier for law enforcement to track down thieves and their accomplices.

🔄 The Big Picture: Metal theft is a widespread issue affecting many communities across Georgia and the United States. South Fulton’s approach could serve as a model for other municipalities looking to address this problem.

Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis, who sponsored the ordinance, stated, “This is yet another way that the City of South Fulton is doing our utmost to protect our residents and local businesses, and mitigate copper theft in our communities.”

The city plans to notify all local recycling businesses about the new requirements. The effectiveness of this ordinance in reducing metal theft remains to be seen, but it represents a proactive step by local government to address community concerns.