TERRE HAUTE, IND (AP) — A new ordinance that requires secondhand shops to report their sales activity to police has sparked confusion in Terre Haute.
The ordinance takes effect April 1 and is designed to help police recover stolen goods by requiring daily reports of purchases of jewelry, office equipment, electronics and tools, along with scrap metal. Dealers submit the information through the Internet.
Some shop owners say the ordinance places an unfair burden on small-business owners who have no Internet access. Many say they aren't sure whether the rule applies to their operations and worry that its reach will expand.
Assistant Police Chief Shawn Keen says the ordinance will help police track down stolen items. More than $4.3 million in stolen property was reported in 2008.
