Dillard, Bellock legislation targeting theft of precious metals signed into law

Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and State Rep. Patty Bellock (R-Westmont) was signed into law creating a task force charged with developing record-keeping requirements for individuals and businesses that buy and sell precious metals.

House Bill 3359 became law upon being signed by the Governor, creating the Precious Metal Purchasers Task Force. The task force will craft recommendations for creating a statewide system to collect information that can be easily accessed by law enforcement looking for information on sales-related information from pawnbrokers, auction sellers, for-profit consignment sellers, and other resellers. The task force will present its findings in a report that must be presented to the General Assembly by December 31, 2013.

“Burglary has become an epidemic in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Obviously our greatest concern is that we don’t want anyone to get hurt, but there is also an incredible sense of violation when you discover you have been the victim of a home invasion and theft. It is an unsettling feeling, with both an emotional and a tangible cost to the victims,” Dillard explained. “Our hope is that members of the task force, which will include representatives of law enforcement, the resale and insurance industries and the general public, will work together to develop a reasonable system of tracking and recording the sale of precious metals at recyclable metal shops and other resale stores.”

Under current law, a shop that offers cash for gold or other precious metals, but which is not a pawn shop, has no responsibility to keep a record of what items were brought in or who brought them. As a result, it is extremely difficult, and often impossible, to track the stolen goods. Compounding the problem are the record prices for gold and other metals, which have contributed to an increase in precious metal theft.

Bert Miller, President of Phoenix Closures manufacturing firm in Naperville, approached Rep. Bellock and Sen. Dillard with the idea for the legislation following the theft of metal jewelry and silver heirlooms from his home. Miller said he was shocked to discover that resale businesses were allowed to buy and sell precious metals and metal goods without collecting any relevant identification or contact information from the seller.

“What we have in this bill is progress toward the elimination of fencing operations utilized by criminals who steal precious metals, jewelry and the like,” said Miller. “I’m delighted to hear the bill passed.”

Hinsdale Police Chief Bradley Bloom echoed Miller’s sentiments.

“This law takes a big step toward closing an important loophole that will aid in the recovery of stolen jewelry and other metal goods,” said Bloom.

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