KC implements new scrap metal ordinance

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City hopes that additional paperwork slows down scrap metal thieves.

City officials say scrap metal thieves are getting out of control.

So the city is doing something about it.

The Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood said thieves are stealing items from historic homes day after day.

So the city hopes to make that harder with a new scrap metal ordinance.

Council member Scott Wagner said the goal is to look for more paperwork to show the chain of ownership when people bring in items like catalytic converters and wires.

"But  the reality is that this ordinance is to make it more difficult for people who are doing the wrong thing to continue to do that. If they're doing legitimate enterprise, if they're picking up cans to make a few extra dollars we want them to continue that," Wagner said.

The new ordinance requires recyclers to ask for more information to keep on file for 30 days.

That includes a photo ID, the vehicle's ID from the scrap metal and a picture for when police investigate theft cases.