Stop bold-as-brass thieves

The rising cost of copper has emboldened thieves to steal wiring, air conditioners and even bronze statues to sell to the junk man. The state Legislature should endorse a proposal that provides increased safeguards and greater penalties,which, incidentally, could save lives as well.

A House bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week to require those selling scrap copper to show a photo ID, which junk dealers will be required to copy and file.

Those who are caught stealing copper would face as much as 10 years in prison. The provision also would apply to the theft of aluminum and stainless steel beer kegs.

Many of the "scrap metal" thefts reported in the Lowcountry are of air-conditioning parts that fetch thieves a few hundred dollars, while causing thousands in damages to their owners.

The bill would make stealing metal for scrap a felony, and could bring the maximum sentence if damages exceed $5,000, according to The Associated Press.

Nationally, there have been reports of deaths by electrocution associated with the pilfering. So assuming the new law would reduce thefts, at-risk metal thieves could be among the beneficiaries — whether they realize it or not.