Amy Sienicki & Associated Press
 
September 29, 2008
 
WHITE CITY, Ore. -- Two men were charged with aggravated theft for stealing 120 aluminum rims worth about 12,000 dollars last week.
 
Medford police say scrap metal thefts have been a growing trend in Southern Oregon for about three years.
 
A new law instituted in January requires businesses to take extra precautions to ensure their customers are not trying to resell stolen goods. When somebody sells scrap metal, a picture is taken of their items and they are required to show their driver's license.
 
Police say brite copper is one of the most highly valued metals by thieves. Copper wire, car radiators, and aluminum are all common stolen items. Police say thieves who resell these types of metal typically make a few hundred dollars, but it causes thousands of dollars in damage.
 
Police are urging people to report stolen scrap metal. They say many cases go unreported, but with the new law, they are able to more easily track people down.