Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a metals theft bill, a move endorsed by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).

Assembly Bill 841 would have required scrap dealers to make payments for metals only by check through the mail, significantly impeding recycling firms in doing legitimate business, the Washington-based ISRI said in a news release.

The move follows a similar response by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on metal theft legislation in that state.

Brown said the problem of metal theft is rampant in the United States, and he signed four bills last year to prevent theft. “What's really missing today is robust enforcement of our laws.”

ISRI supported that position. “Scrap recyclers across the country are working on a daily basis with law enforcement, prosecutors, and legislators on ways to reduce thefts,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “We will continue our efforts to curb these thefts that are harming communities.”

ISRI believes the best way to address the problem is through a comprehensive strategy focusing first on preventing metals theft and second on assisting law enforcement and prosecutors in their efforts to catch, prosecute and penalize those who commit these crimes.

Among the ways the recycling industry and law enforcement are working together is through ScrapTheftAlert.com, a free tool that provides law enforcement with a means to notify the scrap industry of significant thefts of materials in the United States and Canada.