CPM Members lobby for copper theft ordinance.(insession)(certified property manager)(Brief article)

Over the last two years, metal theft--particularly copper--has been on the rise, largely due to a surge in the global demand for scrap metal. Across the United States, air conditioning units are being stolen from homes and buildings for the copper coils. In some areas, HVAC systems have been stolen from building rooftops, costing building owners thousands of dollars to replace the systems.

Marshall Gordon, CPM, has lobbied the city council in Memphis, Tenn., to pass a scrap metal ordinance. The IREM Memphis chapter has formed a coalition of utility companies, alcohol distributors, churches and cemeteries. Gordon testified on behalf of his IREM chapter, in front of the Memphis City Council on the proposed ordinance, and provided several provisions to strengthen the Memphis proposal. Using Gordon's suggestions, the City Council's proposed ordinance would require the following: Every junk and scrap metal dealer must keep a book recording each purchase; persons selling or trading scrap metal must present valid identification to the dealer at the time of sale; and sellers must wait three days before cashing payment vouchers. The City Council is expected to pass the ordinance.

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