KIRKSVILLE, MO --
Nationwide reports show that people will steal metal from anywhere in order to get a few dollars from metal recycling centers like Perfect Metals USA in Kirksville.
So what can recyclers do to prevent this from happening?
“Require id with all transactions and follow all federal and state requirements with purchases of automobiles or any such items that require a title from the state, boat trailers, motorcycles, anything like that,” said Jared Douglas, General Manger of Perfect Metals.
There is no limit to how much, or how often you sell to Perfect Metals. So other than keeping a log of every transaction, the business has no way of knowing where the metal came from, so it could be stolen.
“Unfortunately, that happens, especially with the economy not doing so well and gas prices, the way they are, that happens and we work closely hand-in-hand with local and beyond law enforcement and the client who alleged that their items were stolen to rectify any problems,” Douglas said.
Selling over $500 worth of stolen property is a Class C Felony and could land you behind bars. It's a crime metal recyclers are looking out for.
“Keep a close paper trail and check all titles and ids and get all the information we can from people so if it is an issue we can track it back to the source,” Douglas said.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO