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Delaware State Police
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State Police Announce New Requirements for Pawnbrokers, Secondhand Dealers and Scrap Metal Processor’s Released Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Dover – The Delaware State Police are announcing the newly enacted requirements that pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers and scrap metal processors must conform to as a result of legislation passed in 2007. Previous to the legislation, there was no specific state law regarding the processes that these proprietors followed regarding property coming into their businesses. As a result of this, it has presented many challenges for law enforcement and victims of crimes to recover stolen property that may have been brought to these businesses by criminals. Because of the efforts of the general assembly, law enforcement will have increased oversight as to who may be bringing stolen property to these businesses. Specific requirements will include: · Every pawnbroker and secondhand dealer shall create a record and provide information on a form to be supplied. · Every scrap metal processor shall create a record and provide information on a form to be supplied by the Delaware State Police with respect to the following articles purchased or otherwise acquired: (1) Copper (including Copper Wire); (2) Silver; (3) Gold; or (4) Brass. · Pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers, and scrap metal processors shall complete and provide information on forms provided by the Delaware State Police immediately after any articles or goods have been purchased or acquired. · Pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers and scrap metal processors shall record the name of the person making the record entry and shall make that information available to police. · The information provided on the forms under this section shall be stored and maintained by the pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or scrap metal processor for a period of 1 year and shall be provided to police immediately upon request. In addition to these requirements, dealers will now have an additional holding period after receiving property. Specifically the legislation states every pawnbroker and secondhand dealer must keep for a period of 18 days, including weekends and holidays, subject to inspection by any police officer of Delaware, all goods, wares and merchandise purchased or received from any person before selling, shipping or otherwise disposing of the same. Other measures include insuring all dealers are properly licensed by the state. In an effort to educate those affected by this new legislation, the Delaware State Police will be holding three Town Hall meetings throughout the state to discuss the licensing requirements and new procedures. These will take place on: · Sussex County – Tuesday, May 6, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center located at 21911 Rudder Lane, Georgetown · New Castle County - Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Troop #2 located at 100 LaGrange Avenue, Newark, DE 19702 · Kent County – Monday, May 12, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Delaware State Police Academy located at 1441 N. DuPont Hwy, Dover If someone cannot attend one of the Town Hall Meetings, they can contact a property detective at one of the following troops: New Castle County Troop #2 / 302.834.2630, Kent County Troop #3 / 302.697.2104 ext. 307 or Sussex County Troop #4 / 302.856.5850. |
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| State of Delaware Home Page Last Modified: April 29, 2008. |