Flickr user Christer
Even metal sculptures aren't safe from metal thieves.

Update August 11th: The recently passed state law to crack down on copper theft will go into effect August 17th. You'll need to get permits from Horry County Sherriff's office.

Under the new law, any person wishing to transport and sell any non-ferrous metal including copper and catalytic converters to a scrap metal dealer in Horry County must first obtain a permit from the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. This permit to transport and sell is free to the public.  To obtain this one-year permit, a person must go in person to the Horry County Sheriff’s  Office and  complete an application and provide one form of photo identification to include a driver’s license, state identification card or a military ID.

The second permit is a 48 hour permit that may be obtained by calling the Horry County Sheriff’s Office at 915-5450. The person making the call will be given a permit number good for transporting and sale of non-ferrous metals including copper and catalytic converters for 48 hours. The permit is for those persons who intend to transport and sell these materials no more than twice a year. This permit is free to the public.

Additionally, any person or business intending to purchase copper or catalytic converters in Horry County must also obtain a permit from the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. There is a $200 fee for the “permit to purchase” and is renewable every two years. Further, any person or business seeking the permit must be doing business from a fixed location. A recycler may not purchase copper or catalytic converters from a person unless the person present their “permit to transport and sell” or permit number if it is a 48 hour permit. 

This new law does not apply to a holder of a retail business license, an authorized wholesaler, contractor licensed pursuant to law or a gas, electric, communications, water, plumbing, electrical or climate conditioning service provider.

The Horry County Sheriff’s Office is located in  the Horry County Government & Justice Center, 1301 2nd Avenue in Conway and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get more details on the permit process here.

• Related story: S.C. works to crack down on copper theives 

First Report: A down economy has seen an uptick in stolen metal items such as copper lines and catalytic converters in cars. All of these items are taken to metal recycling centers to be exchanged for cash. 

Both Horry County and the City of Myrtle Beach are brainstorming what regulations and ordinances could make it difficult for theives to recycle items that aren't rightfully theirs. The Sun News has details on what those ordinances might be. Read it here.