Associated Press reported that a crackdown on scrap metal sellers and buyers has been signed into law in Colorado.

Governor John Hickenlooper signed a bill setting up stricter controls on scrap metal sales to try to prevent thefts. High prices for copper and other metals have led to a rash of metal thefts at construction sites, power grid stations and other locations.

The new law requires sellers to show photo IDs. Scrap metal buyers would have to set commodity metals aside for five days to give police more time to track metals reported as stolen. The bill also makes it illegal for scrap buyers to pay cash for metal purchases over USD 300. The bill doesn't apply to silver, gold or platinum.

(Sourced from the Associated Press)