After passing legislation last year, council members are rethinking their strategy.
Waverly Council is looking to make it harder for thieves to sell stolen jewelry and for gold buyers to immediately resell it. While state law only requires local gold buyers to hold items for five days, a Waverly ordinance requires they keep them for 15 days and generate a detailed description of the pawned items.
“Now, we’ve found out the 15 days is not really working,” said Council President Thomas Patterson.
Council members are considering an ordinance that would require gold buyers to hold the items for 30 days, as well as photograph the items with the seller’s photo ID, making it easier for criminals to be held accountable.
Council previously decided on the 15-day hold after hearing concerns from gold buyers about the impact 30 days would have on business; however, authorities and residents are saying 15 days is simply not enough.
In fact, multiple victims were present at Waverly Council’s Tuesday meeting, voicing their concern that the current ordinance doesn't give victims enough time to try to get their stolen goods back. Many said they had been burglarized in broad daylight. One man said he was targeted twice.
Police Chief Larry Roe said community members should report any suspicious activity they might see as village thefts are becoming frequent.
“If you don’t want to give your name, you can do that anonymously,” he said. “All you have to do is call, give them the particulars, and we can send an officer to check it out.”
The proposed ordinance is anticipated to be presented at Council’s February 5th meeting.
