ISRI Metal Theft Database

With the amount paid for recycled metal on the rise, the number of metal thefts is also rising. Guardrails, copper wiring and even metal cemetary markers are in danger of theft. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries has established a database of major metal thefts. Recyclers submit information concerning thefts from their businesses as well as suspicious loads brought in for recycling. ISRI spokesman Chuck Carr would like to encourage local law enforcement officers to use this database as well. Officers are encouraged to check the database for thefts in their area and submit theft reports as well. It may help in tracking groupings of thefts in a given area or multiple thefts of the same type of metal. It may also help in identifying person or persons who bring in suspicious loads of metal for recycling. Information needed for the database is the same basic information taken as part of a police report. Please include photos, serial numbers or any other unique identifiers. Upon receipt of the information, the database sends out alerts to area recyclers to watch for the stolen items. For more information or to submit theft reports please email Chuck Carr at chuckcarr@isri.org