Proposed Bill Will Combat Copper Thefts - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SALINAS, Calif. - Copper theft is not new on the Central Coast. Local growers have lost millions of dollars in stolen irrigation and agriculture equipment that contains copper and other expensive metals.

In 2008, a law was passed to help prevent the sale of stolen copper. It required a three day waiting period for people to receive money for scrap metal or copper they take to junk yards. The law worked for a bit, but thieves found loopholes. And there hasn't been extra re-enforcement on the law, until now.

If passed, the bill will create a framework for a regional metal task force. This bill will target recycling or junkyard centers that pay for stolen copper or metal before the three days. The task forces created by the bill aren't funded yet but lawmakers are hoping to get federal grants at least for the short term.