Orangeburg County Council on Monday agreed that officials must work together to find ways to curb metal theft.

“It hits everybody. We have a problem and I think we may not solve the problem but reduce some of our problems by working together ... and making it a little more difficult for thieves to dispose of this property within the county,” Orangeburg County Council Chairman Harry Wimberly said.

During a presentation before council about the issue, Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams said the county has seen copper thefts increase at a higher rate than in other counties. Williams said that is due to the number of recycling plants in the county.

He also said eight people recently arrested for stealing metal were unemployed and resorted to stealing help feed their families.

“We cannot stop it but we can reduce it,” Williams said.

He said his department is also working with agencies in other counties to combat metal theft. He declined to elaborate on the measures being taken, but confirmed that both enforcement and judicial measures are currently under review.

Orangeburg County Councilman Willie B. Owens said the matter has hit him personally. He installed a security system after trailers and lawn mowers were stolen from his yard.

Councilwoman Janie Cooper said recycling plants in the county should also be concerned about the problem.

Sunshine Recycling owner Joseph Rich echoed Cooper’s concerns. He told council members his company has placed about 48 cameras at the business to track individuals from the time they enter until they leave.

Rich also spoke in favor of DataDots, which are no larger than a grain of sand and contain an owner-identification code. They can be sprayed on objects and later be identified by law enforcement using an ultraviolet light and magnifying glass.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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