Letter to the Editor to the Detroit News

By State Senator Buzz Thomas

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

With respect to the April 9 Detroit News editorial, "Combat metal thefts to save neighborhoods," can't we walk and chew gum at the same time? Tears rolled from the eyes of one of my constituents during a recent Senate committee hearing in Detroit a few weeks ago. She told the panel of lawmakers how she has been the victim of copper theft three times in less than six months.

The woman, who hails from one of Detroit's most strongest neighborhoods, pointed out that her home had been attacked and stripped of precious metal. She and a growing number of Michigan residents would benefit greatly from my legislation, which requires that scrap metal processors strengthen their record keeping and report it to law enforcement. It is designed to give local governments the tools that they need to get the job done.

That's why the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, AT&T of Michigan, Detroit Police Department, Wayne County prosecutor and sheriff and other organizations enthusiastically support it. Fact is, we desperately need two approaches: stiffer but reasonable regulation and more vigorous law enforcement. That is the best way to attack this epidemic.

Check out Sen. Thomas' Latest VBlog dealing with Copper Theft