"Trying to solve a more tangible problem, lawmakers moved to crack down on rampant metal theft."

[Strelnikov_]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-legis2-2008sep02,0,230988.story

Trying to solve a more tangible problem, lawmakers moved to crack down on rampant metal theft.

The rising value of aluminum, bronze, copper and other metals has spurred thieves to yank wiring from buildings and air-conditioning units, steal manhole covers and irrigation pumps and destroy statues and fire hydrants. After being sold for quick cash, the metal is often sold again.

Efforts to curb such theft last year failed. This year lawmakers agreed on a measure that would require scrap dealers to get photographs, thumbprints and addresses of sellers and to pay them by check with a three-day delay.

"So much damage is done for so little gain," said Assemblyman Doug La Malfa, a Sacramento Valley Republican. "This is one of the examples of government working well -- finally."


Peak everything?

[truedelphi]

1. The news brief I saw on this about a month ago

Showed photos of city statues that had gone missing and are presumed now scrap metal.

One had recently been appraised for over $ 300,000 bucks.

And then there's the sad thing of waking up and finding out thieves took your car's catalytic converters - the palladium in those babies is worth as much or more than some of the cars it is taken from.

[phantom power]

2. Republicans. They love jails.

It seems to go over their heads that when you have a healthy economy, crime goes down. I suppose "Jawbone the metal thieves!1!1" is a much easier sound-bite than "Improve the social safety net for increased economic security, thus reducing the level of economic desperation and motivation for crime."