Lessons Learned from the Neighborhood Safety Meeting
Scrap Metal Reform: State Representative David Nathan, and State Representative Rashida TlaibNearly one hundred people turned out to hear about a variety of public safety topics at the September Neighborhood Safety Meeting, held last Thursday at the North Rosedale Park Community House.The keynote speakers for the evening were State Representative Rashida Tlaib (District-6), and State Representative David Nathan (District-8), who spoke about a major safety concern for Grandmont Rosedale our residents: scrap metal theft. State Rep. Tlaib has spent the last three years working on a package of House Bills that will introduce reasonable reforms to scrap metal commerce. Residents learned that this state legislation will help eliminate illegal transactions, and will empower law enforcement in the following ways:
- There will be no cash transactions between scrap metal dealers and scavengers for commonly stolen artifacts and public fixtures.
- Dealers will be required to use a traceable means of payment, such as, a check, a money order, or an electronic payment card (ATM / Credit) for such artifacts.
- Dealers must maintain purchase records for one year.
- Dealers must make copies of scavengers IDs and take thumbprints and must document the items being purchased with photos, or video footage.
- Scrap metal dealers must train their employees on the legal requirements for transactions.
- Scrap metal theft will become a felony punishable by five years of imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
- The penal code will be amended to include scrap metal theft as larceny.