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Industry and law enforcement urge clear cargo‑theft definitions, subcommittee reports bill favorably
Summary
Industry witnesses told the Criminal Law Subcommittee that cargo theft has evolved into organized, multi‑jurisdictional crime; the panel favorably reported HB 5288, which creates clearer definitions and coordination tools for prosecutors and law enforcement.
The Criminal Law Subcommittee gave House Bill 5288 a favorable report after testimony from industry groups and law enforcement coordinators that cargo theft has become an organized, multi‑jurisdictional problem requiring specific statutory definitions and coordination tools.
Matt Venuto of the South Carolina Recyclers Association said cargo theft no longer looks like petty property crime; firms face sophisticated tactics including cyber fraud, identity theft and load diversion. He cited repeated losses affecting smaller recyclers and noted that a single copper load can be worth more than $200,000. Rick Todd, president and CEO of the South Carolina Trucking Association, said local law enforcement often treats such cases as insurance matters and urged clearer state policy and task‑force coordination with federal partners.
Members asked whether existing theft and non‑ferrous‑metal statutes suffice; witnesses replied that clear cargo‑theft definitions and coordination authority improve investigators’ ability to start and sustain multi‑jurisdictional inquiries. The subcommittee reported HB 5288 favorably for further consideration.
