County plans its own metal-theft law

During a six-week period in December and January, there were at least 17 copper thefts or attempted thefts reported in Hernando County.

The perpetrators would risk the law stealing from air-conditioning units and then selling the "hot" copper for a profit.

One of those locations — Nativity Lutheran Church at 6363 Commercial Way — had been struck twice.

Hoping to put an end to this, county commissioners are expected Tuesday to pass an ordinance designed to curtail metal thefts.

Several other counties, including Pasco, have already done so.

County Commissioner Dave Russell said he supports the ordinance as a way to curb "some of the rampant thefts going on.

"It's not only a nuisance, but it can be a threat to public safety," he said.

County Commissioner John Druzbick said Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative is spending more than $1 million a year to replace what is being stolen.

Thieves have even knocked down lamp poles, cutting up the aluminum to sell in pieces to recyclers, Druzbick said.

Hernando County Commissioner Jim Adkins recently visited Tallahassee to show his support of Senate Bill 540, which would implement tighter regulations for metal recyclers.

Adkins said law enforcement, utilities companies, commercial property owners and developers all "want something done."

The local ordinance would require recyclers to keep more detailed records of every metal transaction, which would make things easier for law enforcement in future criminal investigations.

The county commission meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 North Main St. in downtown Brooksville.

To view the entire agenda, visit http://tinyurl.com/6phpltl

Reporter Tony Holt contributed to this story.