A City of Tulsa ordinance targeting scrap metal thieves passed unanimously tonight.
Now the city will have the ability to narrow in on those responsible for stealing copper and costing the city millions.
You may have noticed darkness around various parts of Tulsa at night. Officials say it's not because the City can't afford to pay for the lights along the highways.
They say it's the copper theft problem that's been plaguing the city for years.
But now, thanks to the new ordinance, City officials believe thieves will have a harder time making a profit from stealing metals.
By state law, scrap metal dealers are supposed to enter all metal transactions. Without the ordinance, the city didn't have the power to make sure they were doing it.
But now, dealers will have to log all transactions online, essentially making a database.
"They will have to go to 'LeadsOnline' and register who brought it in and what they brought so that way it's linked to our police officers," Karen Gilbert, city councilor, said. "They can look on a daily basis to see what type of metals are bringing in and who's bringing it."
The City says local law enforcement can now take more control of the problem.
Officials also hope it will keep places like schools, churches and homes from being targets.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
