Dive Brief:
- The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, a non-profit recycling industry trade association, announced a new website, StopMetalsTheft.org. The site was created to help officers pursing metal theft crimes.
- The website acts as a resource for law enforcement, attorneys and the recycling industry itself, providing each group with tools, news and information, legal resources and tips to fight against metal theft.
- ISRI also revamped ScrapTheftAlert.com, a website which notifies scrap companies about metal thefts occurring in their area. In addition, the association announced the inception of the Law Enforcement Advisory Council. The council includes law enforcement officials, prosecutors and security, all of whom will put together training programs to aid law enforcement in the prevention and prosecution of metal theft crimes.
Dive Insight:
Highlights of the StopMetalsTheft.org website includes the following features:
- The capability to alert recyclers to theft in their area
- Nationwide success stories from law enforcement
- Tools for prosecutes, recyclers and police
- Industry information and expertise given by ISRI teams
- A glossary of terminology regarding stolen commodities
ISRI has been proactive in its efforts to prevent metal theft and reduce the destruction of property that this crime carries with it. In January, the association formed a coalition in response to an increased wave of metal crime, including everything from stealing wire components from railroad tracks to lifting scrap metal from recycling yards.