Copper theft had gotten to be a huge problem here in SC... mostly A/C units at businesses and churches late at night when no one was on the property.
It is now way down (60-70%) due to the fact that,
"As of Aug. 17, scrap copper sellers and recyclers must have permits from their local sheriff to legally sell or buy the metal. To buy, metal recyclers must make a copy of a seller’s permit. They also must record information on each sale, including the seller’s photograph and license plate number, the date and amount paid, and a description of the metal. The law also bars cash for copper. Payments must be by check, providing further record of the transaction."
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South Carolina Targets Copper Theft