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Metal Theft Sting Targets Scrap Buyers

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) – Authorities are cracking down hard on local scrap metal buyers in an attempt to erase the ability for metal thieves to turn their stolen goods into cash.

The Roseville Police Department conducted stings on businesses to test whether employees would abide by the rules meant to deter scrap metal theft, including waiting three days before paying sellers and taking proper identification.

The owner of a Rio Linda business, Jenipher Maggard, was placed under arrest earlier this week for allegedly failing to keep proper records of scrap metal purchases, which included catalytic converters, according to Roseville Police Lt. Marc Glynn.

Maggard denied knowingly purchasing stolen metal to CBS13 and said she hasn't learned all of the laws since opening her business in February.

"We have to do a better job at… taking IDs and doing things the proper way," she said.

Two other arrests were also made in other stings this week, authorities said.

The added scrutiny comes after thieves ripped at least 65 catalytic converters off of vehicles in Roseville and an untold amount of copper wiring.

"We're going to be relentless on this crime, we're going to be going after people who are not conducting business appropriately," said Lt. Glynn.

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