Scrap metal thieves sought

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Crooks stealing scrap metal hoping to cash in -- police say it's a huge problem in Central Florida, and at least one local lawmaker is pushing an idea to make it harder for thieves to profit from it.

Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd says the problem is so bad criminals are stealing copper from businesses and construction sites across Central Florida -- causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

On Tuesday, the Orange County Sheriffs Office and Commissioner Boyd presented the issue to the county and asked commissioners to consider some tough regulations against scrap metal dealers.

Commissioner Boyd wants to say good-bye to quick cash payoffs. He also wants customers to show proof of ownership for scrap items like manhole covers, light poles and handrails. However, not everyone likes the proposed ordinance. Some metal recyclers in Orange County predict the new rules, if they are approved, will drive business to areas outside the county.

The commissioner's proposal comes just one day after the city of Orlando unanimously passed the toughest regulations for scrap metal recycling companies in the state. Commissioner Boyd tells FOX 35 he wants to mirror the county's ordinance after the city's, and he tells us he is working to get cities and counties throughout central Florida on board.