A new Georgia law to fight metal theft is working.
But metal recycling companies where thieves typically sell their stolen goods say it's hurting their business.
Some are even laying off employees.
Georgia House Bill 872 requires people selling scrap metal to go through a number of safeguards to identify them in case that metal's stolen.
South Georgia law enforcement says already they can see the positive difference the law is making. But recyclers say the bill has cut their business drastically.
At AAA Recycling and Core Supply, Jack Futrill says he has seen a drastic cut in his business since July, when the new Georgia scrap metal law took effect.
"It's just gone from good to bad. Real bad. I mean it's off fifty percent at least," said Jack Futrill, AAA Recycling & Core Supply Owner.
To cut down on skyrocketing metal thefts, the new statewide law requires strict rules to track sales.
Recyclers cannot pay cash, but have to mail a check Futrill says his customers tell him they don't like checks, and it's just too much trouble and so far they are just not selling it.
"They'll throw it away, or just don't mess with it. Just let it lay around," said Futrill.
But South Georgia law enforcers say the new law has cut metal thefts, like stripping air conditioners.
"Yes, we have seen a decrease in the actual copper thefts. The law is actually very strict now. Which is a good thing," said Albany Police Detective, Tim Harvey.
Dougherty County Police say they have also seen a significant drop in the number of metal thefts in just the short amount of time since the law took effect.
"Now that you have to wait that period of time to get your money. It makes it less appealing to take metal there now, unless you are legitimate," said Dougherty County Police Captain, Thomas Jackson.
But Futrill says he feels the law went too far at one time, and that even the legitimate customers don't seem to be willing to go through all the necessary steps to sell their metal.
He says the decline in business could cost some employees their jobs.
"We'll have to go laying some people off. My competition already did it," said Futrill.
With the law less than a month old, real crime stats can't be tallied yet, but South Georgia Police say there has been a noticeable decline in metal thefts, and they have to credit the new law. But they warn people not to get complacent.
"There is no law that is going to be able to completely prevent thefts, and so we still have to take the proper steps to make sure our property is safe, and not be an easy target," said Harvey.
Exactly the effect legislators had in mind with the new Georgia law, but not for recyclers.
Futrill says there is usually a summer slowdown in the recycling business, and that a recent 35 percent drop in steel and metal prices could also be a factor in their business drop but he says every recycler he has spoken to has also seen a dramatic business decline, and the new law has to be part of the reason.
Georgia Recyclers Association Spokespersons say the new Georgia scrap metal law is an inconvenience and puts a burden of cost on the recyclers, but they know long term the law will be good to end the crime.
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