Pocono News Section

Hearing on House Bill 1742

Hearing on House Bill 1742 - Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 7:09PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Thursday, Nov 15, 2007 @07:09pm EST
((WILKES-BARRE, Luzerne County)

Now to the problem of copper theft it's on the rise both here at home and across the country. On Thursday, the issue was the topic of a public hearing in Wilkes-Barre after some state lawmakers brought it up for review.

Pete Bielecki, Sr. owns Bielecki Scrap and Recycling in Wilkes-Barre. Bielecki says he buys a few thousand pounds of scrap metal a week.

That means he sees between 75 and 125 metal peddlers per day. Peter Bielecki spoke with WBRE News, "Anybody that comes in with 5 pounds or more of copper they must have positive identification, which they are, owner’s card, and proof of insurance - something."

Almost everything, like this recent sale from Arizona is recorded. Bielecki added, “I'm not in the market to buy stolen copper. It keeps us honest and it keeps them honest." Bielecki's been on board with this system for about a year. Now some state lawmakers want all recyclers to collect specific information on scrap sellers.

Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (D) Luzerne, "We're trying to prevent needless thefts all over the place." House Bill 1742, introduced by Rep. Pashinski last July came before a public hearing in Wilkes-Barre. Rep. Pashinski added, "They're breaking into residential homes, unoccupied buildings, ripping copper, taking scrap yard metals and getting money in return, some of its drugs."

Statistics show copper theft crimes are up, especially now that pay outs are pricey. Wilkes-Barre police say the bill will help curb, but not cure copper theft crimes. Wilkes-Barre Detective Ronald Foy, "They want a quick hit, don't get a lot of money, minimal risk of getting caught, since February of 2006, we’ve had 90 incidents of copper thefts.

John Allan of Allan Industries testified the bill would be a logistical nightmare. His brother, Richard Allan represents scrap metal processors across Pennsylvania. Richard Allan said, "One size does not fit all. Not every scrap processing facility can do everything the bill would require."

But ask Pete Bielecki, he's convinced the system is solid. Bielecki said, “It has helped quite a few police departments on nabbing people. After Thursday’s hearing, the House Committee will either decide to send the bill to the house floor for a full vote or it could be killed by the committee.