Scrap Metal Yard Complies with New Law with Technology

Zac Paulson

Keeping Tabs on your Customers is Required by Law

As of August 1st, 2007, the state of Minnesota began requiring all precious metal and scrap metal dealers to comply with House File 829: Scrap Metal Theft Summary. All yards in Minnesota dealing in scrap and precious metals must comply including many that probably don’t even know they need to comply. A few local Minneapolis yards have taken a “high tech” approach to solving the compliance requirements.

The law covers many items regarding scrap metal theft, but a few have been particularly difficult for many yards without adding additional employees or years of filing and record keeping. Key requirements listed in House File 829, include:

Records Requirements - Scrap metal dealers must keep a written record of each purchase including:

• A description of the scrap metal purchased
• The date, time, and place of the receipt of the scrap metal purchased
• The name and address of the person selling or delivering the scrap metal
• The number of the check or electronic transfer used to purchase the scrap metal
• The number of the seller’s driver’s license, MN identification card number, or other document issued which includes the person’s photograph, full name, birth date, and signature
• The license plate number and description of the vehicle used by the person delivering the scrap metal and any identifying marks on the vehicle, such as business name, decals, or markings

Record Retention - Requires the retention of records for three years.

Video Security Cameras Required - Video Security Cameras Required. Every scrap metal dealer shall maintain a video surveillance system or digital still camera to capture both the frontal view showing the face of each seller as well as the seller’s vehicle including the license plate. The camera must record the accurate date and time.

Effective Date – August 1st, 2007

A few of Ignus’ clients with yards specializing in ferrous and non-Ferrous metals have implemented cutting-edge digital cameras designed to capture the required frontal view of the seller’s vehicles, license plates, and side markings on the vehicles. The system captures the license plates of all vehicles entering the yard with one camera capable of zooming in for a clearer picture as well as another camera to capture the side view of the vehicle. Through standard operating procedures for entry and exit, the cameras automatically take still frame images when they sense motion of vehicles. They continue until motion stops; then store the images as long as required by law, in this case, three years. The cameras are configured to capture only vehicles, reducing false triggers. A specially written software program, created by Ignus, files the captured images away on a server system and organizes them by the camera, date, and in chronological order, so that employees and authorities may review them at their convenience. This solution uses the latest in IP surveillance cameras and motion sensing technology to make compliance simple, effective, and virtually labor free after implementation. Additional cameras are used to comply with the face capture requirements as well. Due to Ignus’ team of experts, these yards have no worries, making the yards safer, more secure, and compliant with the newest Minnesota law pertaining to scrap metal dealers.

To gain a copy of the full law in detail, or to hear more about our solutions for scrap metal and precious metal dealers, please contact Ignus Technologies at 888-449-9040 ext. 4188.

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