The number of copper thefts continues to increase since the price of some metals are rising.  But a new law, which goes into effect in about three months, will keep criminals from trying to turn these materials in for cash.

Copper isn't worth just a penny anymore.  For years, police have dealt with metal thefts as copper prices reach up to $4 per pound.

Sgt. Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police Department said, "Criminals find a variety of ways to get copper whether it's from cemeteries or air conditioning units."

And turning it into some recycling centers for quick cash is a thief's dream.

"It's easy to get to often times, they're in and out with it, they can take it and turn it into cash very quickly and use it for whatever it is they want, drugs and alcohol," Sgt. Knight explained.

A new law makes it tougher for people to sell stolen goods to recycling centers.  Leon Galoob says he and other companies have been doing this for years.

"A thief is a thief, we really can't stop this, we can slow it down and make it more difficult for people to dispose of their material," said Leon Galoob, the CEO of Interstate Metals Corporation.

Under the new law, all centers will record a person's drivers license, and have a thorough description of the items.

"Taking pictures of the person, and the material will be a lot more deterrent to them doing something the wrong way," Galoob described.

With many thefts coming from homes, and graveyards, a seller needs to provide proof that they are the legal owner of some things with copper lining.

"As long as the price of copper is as high as it is, we're going to continue to see people steal it," Sgt. Knight concluded.

In the US, about 1.8 million tons of copper are recycled each year.  The new Oklahoma law will go into effect on November 1st.  The bill is SB 1856, and more information can be found on the legislature's website at:  http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/