Tougher Penalties for Metal Theft: New Law Takes Effect Thursday

In 2008 the Missouri state legislature passed, and Governor Matt Blunt signed, legislation increasing penalties against those who steal commodity metals. Metal theft has become a growing problem on residential construction sites as the price of copper and other commodity metals has increased.  For a summary of the bill history and contents, click here.

The new law takes effect on August 28, and it will be spotlighted at an event featuring a bipartisan gathering of legislators who helped push the bill through. Local law enforcement, contractors, utility providers, and citizen crime prevention groups will join Missouri state representatives Shane Schoeller (R-139), Sara Lampe (D-138), Mike Parson (R-133), and Jim Viebrock (R-134) to bring attention to the new law. HBA members and other interested and affected parties also are invited to attend.

WHAT:  Several organizations including local law enforcement, contractors, utilities and citizen crime prevention groups will gather to increase awareness of damages caused by theft of metals for resale and mark August 28, 2008 as the effective date for new state legislation to help fight these crimes.

WHEN:     Thursday, August 28 10:00 a.m. 

WHERE:    Fantastic Caverns 

                       4872 North Farm Road 125

                       Springfield, MO 65803

CONTACT: Kirk Hansen, Public Information Director

                  Fantastic Caverns

                  (417) 833-2010