As part of a comprehensive effort to fight the crime of metals theft across the country, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) released a video, Fighting Metals Theft: Perspectives from Law Enforcement and Industry, aimed at helping local law enforcement address the growing epidemic. The six-minute video features interviews with top law enforcement leaders and recycling industry experts, all of whom have a few things to say about the dangers associated with metals theft and how local law enforcement agencies can use existing resources to combat the crime.

Wellesley has seen its fair share of metals theft over the years, so naturally ISRI called on Chief Terry Cunningham to put in his two-cents worth. Chief has a certain star quality about him, as we’ve noted before (Our kids suspect Will Ferrell and the Wellesley Police Chief were separated at birth), and his appearance lends the video a touch of Wellesley-wood sparkle. He notes that thieves try and get whatever cash they can from scrap dealers, an association that he says leads to “…this preconceived notion that everybody in the scrap industry is somehow involved in the criminal element, and nothing could be further from the truth.”

Turns out scrap dealers are people too, and when they’re treated as part of the solution instead of part of the problem, they get to run their business without getting hassled by police, and police get to do their jobs with a little cooperation.

Fighting Metals Theft has it all. A compelling story line, drama, and a strong hero standing up for ideals and righting wrongs.

Let the Oscars buzz begin.

Also of interest…

Inside job: cops arrest 2 for 28k copper theft

Wellesley cops crack copper case using DNA evidence

Wellesley churches, rec center suffer stolen copper pipes