Sen. Burchett introduces bill to cut down on auto theft

(NASHVILLE, TN), February 7, 2008 -- State Senator Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) has introduced legislation that would require scrap metal processors who purchase vehicles with the intention of dismantling or salvaging them to provide proof of ownership.  The bill, SB 2858,  will be heard in the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday.

“Right now, thieves can steal a car - strip the motor and transmission out - and sell the wheel and tires, then take it to a scrap metal dealer and get several hundred dollars for the automobile’s body,” said Sen. Burchett.  “Present law makes it far too easy to fence stolen cars.  This legislation requires those who scrap cars to get identification and a title from the seller, and to keep a record of the transaction for later review.”

Presently, junk dealers who purchase automobiles must keep a record of the transaction for three years.  This bill would extend that requirement to scrap metal dealers and require proof of ownership.  It requires scrap metal processors to keep specific records, including copies of vehicle titles, for at least three years.  The records could then be open to inspection in cases of suspected auto theft.

“This is a bill that protects citizens from the high cost of auto theft,” Burchett added.  “There are far too many Tennesseans who have been victims of this crime.  It will serve as a deterrent when thieves realize that they cannot steal and strip a car, and then sale the body to be crushed before law enforcement can trace their steps.”

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