Copper thieves, beware.

Your time is running out to get away with selling stolen copper in South Carolina.

At least that is what state law enforcement officers hope when the new law regulating scrap-metal sales goes into effect a week from today.

Anyone who buys or sells copper and other high-value scrap metals must get a permit from their county sheriff’s office. Recycling companies must check the person’s permit before buying the copper. And recycling companies no longer will pay cash for copper.

The changes are the result of a law passed during the last legislative session.

“Quick cash made the crime attractive,” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said during a news conference Monday. “The permit check is going to slow down that crack addict who’s going to look for that quick cash.”

Copper theft has been a growing problem in the county and statewide as the metal increases in value at the same time the economy continues to stumble.

Read the complete story at thestate.com