What to do about scrap theft?

Well I been scrap in this area now for about 2 weeks and all of a sudden comes along 3 guys in a blue pick up stealing all this scrap that I've had my accounts layout for me wow what should I do

Thats not really theft, they have every right to be on public domain, as much as it sucks. Unless they are on private property actually stealing it then your S.O.L.

I drop off a 55 gallon drum for small items that is placed inside the shop. For larger items such as alloy wheels, sheetmetal, batteries etc they are piled in a corner and I pick them up at least once a week.

Never have them just set it outside as it becomes fair game at that point.

Good idea to make available to the customer a barrel or bin for them to save scrap for you in a secure place. If you have only been in the area for only 2 weeks someone has been doing it before you got there. Confirm your arrangements with the customer.

This is why I pay for scrap at my pick ups. I use a simple agreement wrote up with a term that is cancelable with notice. I also have insurance and pull out the binder to let them know they are covered if anything happens. $1,000,000 in coverage cost me $470 per year. Even though I am a glorified trash picker, it still helps to run things on the professional side. Yes a barrel helps. A small sign printed on the computer and laminated at Kinkos can deter the semi honest. "This Barrel and Contents Property ( Your Name Here).

Thanks for all the ideas I like the drum barrel best as for someone before me as the business owners have told me I am the first to offer to pick up metal and they love the idea that it keeps it out of landfills and helps support jobs right here at home

Outdoor-

If you go to heavy truck/semi repair shops or any place that buys oil in bulk, you can usually get the old oil barrels for free. This is what I do and it saves money not to mention resources. Just take a sawzall and cut the top lid off.

Originally Posted by Metalfan

Just take a sawzall and cut the top lid off.

Careful... Jimmy Hoffa is still missing and could possibly be in one of those barrels!

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Naw, he's in/under Interstate 90 or 95, I can't remember which. I think one of the NY mobsters admitted where he was.

95, NJ Tpke, Giants stadium.

Originally Posted by outdoorburns

Well I been scrap in this area now for about 2 weeks and all of a sudden comes along 3 guys in a blue pick up stealing all this scrap that I've had my accounts layout for me wow what should I do

Demand a finders FEE.