EPHRATA - The Grant County Sheriff's Office wants to remind county residents how to prevent and deter metal theft.

Metal theft prevention has been a point of emphasis for Tom Jones during his tenure as Grant County Sheriff. Jones and his deputies have established a working relationship with recycling centers, he said, in which the GCSO provides the centers with a no-buy list.

The list contains the name of individuals who have been convicted of crimes, which prevent metal recyclers from purchasing metal from them for ten years after they were convicted. The list is updated every six months, so recycling centers can research their potential sellers.

But metal theft continues to be an area of concern for county residents.

"Metal thieves target copper wire, steel scrap and parts from vehicles and farm implements as a source of quick cash. These people have little regard for the community and are jeopardizing our citizen's safety," said a sheriff's office spokesman.

The GCSO is offering county residents the following tips on what they can do to prevent and deter metal theft:

• Be on the lookout for suspicious activity. If you see someone who appears to be out of place or acting nervously, call 9-1-1. Try to get a good description of the person. If they're driving a vehicle try to get the license number and a description.
• Report what you've seen. Local law enforcement agencies are working with recycling businesses to report any suspicious materials dropped off for recycling.

If you suspect a crime or have information on a crime, call 509-762-1160, or email information to crimetips@grantcountywa.gov.