Lawmakers in western North Carolina are looking to make it tougher for copper thieves to sell scrap metal, and they’re getting creative about how to get it done.
The News Herald of Morganton reported that state Rep. Hugh Blackwell, R-Burke, wants to model new laws on similar regulations in South Carolina.
Recycling centers in South Carolina must get more information from people selling metal, and must pay for it by sending a check through the mail.
Blackwell said copper thefts in parts of North Carolina are soaring, with such crimes accounting for up to 10 percent of all reported thefts in Burke County.
The General Assembly cannot pass new laws during this year’s short session, so Blackwell said he hopes to amend a bill dealing with commercial grease theft.
Topics Fraud Legislation North Carolina
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
AI Finding Twice as Many Cyber Flaws in 2026 as It Did in 2025 
AM Best Calls $1.54 Billion Mapfre-Safety Marriage ‘Strategically Compelling’ 
Former Insurance Agent Sentenced to Jail for Fraud, Again 
American Family to Acquire Bowhead Specialty in $1.2B Cash Deal 
