Jackson Free Press

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Recycling is great for the earth but a potential nightmare if you're the victim of auto theft in Jackson.

At this morning's weekly Jackson Police Department crime briefing, police officials expressed consternation over thieves using metal recyclers in other cities to get quick cash for boosted cars.

Sgt. L.C. Russell with the department's auto theft division said he and officers from the Flowood Police Department visited General Recycling in Flowood, the source of several complaints. Officials said car-theft victims complained that metal recyclers crush their cars in as little as an hour after receiving them.

Russell said the companies were unclear on the law.

"They were under the impression that if the car is over 10 years old, they could crush it without title," Russell said.

He said that he told the on-site manager at General Recycling that the law requires companies to see a copy of the car's title--no matter how old it is--along with the driver's license of the person who brings in the car. If the person doesn't have the title, he or she must sign an affidavit stating that he or she is the owner.

A General Recycling employee declined an interview this morning except to say the company complies with all laws and referred further questions to Stan Flint, a lobbyist for the metals-recycling industry.

"I'm certain there's not a problem with stolen cars being crushed," Flint said.

Assistant Police Chief Lee Vance said the stolen-car crushing problem appears to be escalating and recommended the department develop a comprehensive plan to protect citizens.

Police Chief Rebecca Coleman also hinted at changes the department will implement starting in 2012 to help curb excessive overtime that has dogged the city in recent weeks. She did not elaborate on what the changes are.

"Going into the new year, we will be within our budget for overtime. Prepare yourselves accordingly," Vance said.

Here's an overview of major crimes for the week Dec. 19 to Dec. 25:

Total Major Crimes
This Week/Last week: 227/239 Change: -5 percent

Year-to-date/Last year-to-date: 1,1702/1,228 Change: -4.3 percent

Total Property Crimes

This Week/Last week: 196/206 Change: -4.9 percent

Year-to-date/Last year-to-date: 10,049/10,476 Change: -4.1 percent

Total Violent Crimes

This Week/Last week: 31/33 Change: -6.1 percent

Year-to-date/Last year-to-date: 1,653/1,752 Change: -5.7 percent