Let's talk ethics - Stealing specifically

**Geiser093** · 12-17-2012, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by BasicMetals

Here in Metro Detroit, we're legally obligated to submit our daily transactions to Leads On-Line, and are also obligated to be subscribed to ScrapTheftAlert.com. Between these two services we are submitting the daily activity of our transactions, making an available database to the police of all our customers, and what they brought in. Then with Scrap Theft Alert, we're being made aware of what's being reported stolen to keep an eye out for it at the scales. Both are similar services as to what a pawn shop must use.

Both are great services, but I can say from a local stand point I don't believe either tool is used enough on the police-side of things. In their defense, though, most of the legal battles we've witnessed as a result from these programs typically ends in a drastically reduced plea deal, or the suspect getting away almost scott free. It seems the only way to get a solid conviction for the "good guys" is to catch someone red-handed. Probably hurts the morale a bit on the police-side.

The problem is that laws like this tend to keep honest people honest. Some desperate junkie doesn't really care if he gets caught stealing. It just adds a layer of work that further reduces the honest mans price at the scale because money is spent on labor to record, upload, etc.

Yes, the difference between getting caught taking something is burglary a serious crime. After it gets o the yard it is simply receiving stolen property. The difference is years vs. probation or a fine.

**BasicMetals** · 12-17-2012, 07:37 AM

Our GM and I were discussing scrap laws this morning, and we got on the topic of one specific law put upon the scrap yards indicating that we're not allowed to purchase scrap from any person who has previously been convicted of scrap metal theft. Which seems TOTALLY logical, and a decent rule at a glance.

However - they don't provide any sort of system or anything to keep the yards informed of WHO'S being convicted of scrap metal theft! It causes us to have a little disclaimer on receipts saying the person is proclaiming they've never been convicted of scrap metal theft, which they sign...thereby putting the responsibility onto the customer. Now if a person is criminal enough to go and STEAL items to bring in and scrap, I'm going to guess 100 times out of 100 they're going to be dishonest enough to be willing to falsely sign off on that statement.

Just another example of laws sounding all good and well up at the legislative level in response to bad news articles and press, but in practicality and application - they fall short. It seems with a lot of law changes and "action" towards combating scrap thefts, they try to make the recyclers the villains rather than making them allies to help solve the issues. They don't see the constant visits from police, frequent subpoenas for my employees to testify in court, etc. also costs us money - we have a common enemy!!