Representative Roger Freeman (D-Federal Way) is taking a leading role in the effort to enact preventative programs, as well as tougher penalties, to address the growing problem of metal-theft crime.
“Metal theft affects public utilities, schools, farmers, and businesses both small and large,” Freeman said. “Directly and indirectly, it is hurting every resident of the 30th district and citizens across Washington state.”
Metal and wire theft is growing problem in Washington and nationwide. Since August 2009, incidences of metal theft have increased by 81 percent, according to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that metal theft costs U.S. businesses roughly $1 billion a year.
“Metal theft affects every segment of my community. Thieves have damaged our parks, they’ve disabled street lights and stolen utility covers out of the roads. They’ve hit our community’s food bank and they’re preying on businesses and homes,” said Federal Way Mayor Skip Priest whose city has been leading efforts to address the statewide problem. “Rep. Freeman’s legislation ensures that metal thieves will face penalties as serious as the cost of their crimes.”
HB 1552, sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland), stiffens penalties by ensuring that the cost of any damage resulting from a metal theft is added to the value of the stolen metal when determining sentences.
“This issue is about public safety as much as the value of the stolen metals. Power outages, fires, and metal-theft electrocutions are areas of growing concern,” said Rep. Goodman, who chairs the House Public Safety Committee.
The bill also authorizes law enforcement agencies to inspect licensed scrap metal dealers inventory for stolen wares and implement an ongoing electronic statewide no-buy list of previous dealers who have violated the law.
“We need to make sure that we are not just stiffening punishments, but seeking proactive solutions to the problem,” said Freeman. “We need to identify new ways to prevent metal-theft crime and discourage this type of criminal activity.”
Finally, the legislation creates the Washington metal theft authority – funded by law enforcement, licensed scrap metal dealers, and other interested stakeholders – to coordinate the implementation of these new efforts.
Read More: Metal theft: Federal Way leaders lobby for tougher laws