Residents gathered at Summerdale’s municipal complex to hear state legislators and Sherriff Huey “Hoss” Mack talk about the proposed legislation Tuesday night. The bill, coded as SB 35, will impose heavier requirements on metal recyclers and make it more difficult to sell stolen metal, according to state legislators.

In 2011, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated scrap metal thefts totaling $72,000 in reported damages. One case alone dealt with roughly $30,000 in damages, Mack said.

According to Allen Woerner, a developer with the Woerner Turf, the company’s Bon Secour farm has seen five copper wire thefts from irrigation systems in the past year.

“It’s a real problem. Besides being annoying, it’s affecting everyone’s bottom line,” Woerner said, referring to the cost of repair. “Everybody sees the economy. It’s not the greatest thing in the world.”

Summerdale police are currently investigating a series of copper wire thefts that ended in December. Suspects have stolen over $18,000 worth of copper wire from irrigation systems on area farms, according to police reports. Police have arrested one suspect. Summerdale’s United Bank manager Bradley Bell announced a contribution of $500 to the award fund at the meeting Tuesday, bringing the total to $1,500.

“Our farmers have been taking a lot hard hits,” Summerdale Police Chief Eddie Ingram said. “There’s a lot being done but there’s always more we can do.”

If passed, SB 35 would require scrap metal dealers to keep better records of those who sell them second-hand metal, including state-issued ID card copies and car tag information. The law would also make it a felony to sell stolen wire worth more than $250.

Bill authors are working to include better protection for schools and churches from theft in the law’s language, according to State Representative Stephen McMillan.

The tighter restrictions will not help unless locals report to law enforcement, according to Baldwin County officials.

“We’re the fifth largest county in the state. One of the biggest issues Baldwin County has in geography. We’re big,” Mack said, referencing slower response times to remote areas. “Don’t let your frustration cause inaction.”

According to deputy chief assistant DA Scott Taylor, once the crimes occur, prosecution may be difficult.

“They (local police departments) catch them, lock them up, we take them to court, then the judges turn them loose. It’s discouraging sometimes,” Taylor said. “A lot of these individuals are feeding drug addictions. The vast majority of these victims have a hard time getting restitution. The key is prevention.”