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transcript
Houston Police Department Burglary and Theft Division
Precious Metals UnitPublic Safety and Homeland Security
Committee Meeting PresentationAugust 28, 2012
Issue/Problem
Precious Metals Value – Last 10 years
674% increase in gold1000% increase in silver
High End BurglariesOver 4,800 burglaries of $10,000 or more in stolen precious metals, stones, gems, or jewelry (July ‘10 – June ‘11) *
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Trends in Jewelry Crime
2007 Monetary Loss of Jewelry Related Crime $21,512,228
2011 Monetary Loss of Jewelry Related Crime $41,165,888
Close to 100% increase in 4 years.
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Conduct Inspections
Ensure the businesses are recording, reporting and holding property correctly per current law and complying.
Offer assistance and knowledge to other investigative divisions when called upon.
Liaison between the business community and law enforcement to establish healthy working relationships.
Precious Metals Unit Goals
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Revise current city ordinance to assist law enforcement in tracking stolen crafted precious metals.
Educate precious metals dealers on state law, current city ordinance and proposed changes to city ordinance.
Training officers and businesses on how to use Electronic Web Based Reporting System.
Precious Metals Unit Goals
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Community Involvement/Public Education:
Informing the citizens about ways to make their valuables easier to identify.
Jewelry AppraisalEtching Identifiers in the jewelryTaking Photos of the jewelryUsing a web based inventory system (www.leadsonline.com)
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Business Education
Reviewing the existing laws with businesses:
Texas State LawHouston City Municipal Code
Business Association Meetings:Disseminating information Gaining feedbackListening to concerns
Fostering a working relationship with Secondhand Precious Metals Dealers in the City of Houston.
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Two Permits Required
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State Law Requirements Texas Administrative Code, Title 7, Part 5, Chapter 85, Subchapter B, Division 2, Rule 85.2001
…..dealer must prepare a transaction report form….. Including the date of purchaseIncluding the name and address of the dealer's business location; Including the name and address where the dealer purchased the precious metal;
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Reporting Requirements (Cont.)
The dealer's registration number; The full name of the seller, as listed on the seller's driver's license A physical description of the seller to include: (A) date of birth; (B) height; (C) eye color; (D) gender; The seller’s address at the time of the transaction; The seller's driver's license number A description of the crafted precious metal purchased
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Precious Metals Unit Recommends:
A clear photocopy or digital photograph of all items purchased by the dealer;
Web-based reporting
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Web Based Reporting System
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Proposed Changes to Municipal Ordinance
Hold period for records. Change from 2 years to 3 years to match state law.Time period to report to police. Change from no mention in ordinance to daily.Electronic reporting. Change from reporting by mail to electronic reporting.Pay by check. Change from no mention in ordinance to pay by check.
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Proposed Changes to Municipal Ordinance
Expand definition of crafted precious metals. Change from Gold, Silver, or Platinum to Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium, Iridium, Rhodium, Osmium, Ruthenium, or an alloy of those metals.Thumb print. Change from no mention in ordinance to a clear thumb print of the seller.Digital photograph of jewelry. Change from no mention in ordinance to a clear digital image of the Jewelry.
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Proposed Changes to Municipal Ordinance
Digital photograph of seller. Change from no mention in ordinance to a clear digital image of the seller.Temporary dealer requirements. Change from no specific mention in ordinance to….
Must be licensed by the jurisdiction where the permanent business is located and address must be visible on the license.
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Proposed Changes to Municipal OrdinanceA copy of this license is to be submitted to COH with the business application for a temporary license.Temporary dealer displays all applicable license numbers on all advertisements.
License numbers on advertisements. Change from no mention in ordinance to … must provide all applicable and valid city and state license numbers….
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Proposed Changes to Municipal Ordinance
Move Crafted Precious Metals Section. Move from Article II to it’s own section in Article IV.Add “purchase” to Sections…
Definition: …offering of used items for sale, “purchase”, or trade…Penalty for Violations: …owner/operator/person permits the sale or “purchase” of any goods…License fees: Any dealer described herein who desires to sell or “purchase” items at shows…
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Dealer Committee MembersHarold Reese, Owner Harold Reese Jewelry
Dominic Rodriguez, Owner Gold Rush
Jose Rodriguez The Goldmine Gold, Silver, and Jewelry BuyersSam Rodriguez Houston Gold Merchants
H.R. “Bob" Sandler, Owner Designer Jewels inc
Brad Schweiss, Owner Houston Gold Exchange
Steven Silver, Owner Jewelry Appraisal Services
Rex Solomon, President Houston Jewelry
Connie Stagner, Owner Acori Diamonds and DesignBilly Stagner, Owner
Juan Tavarez, Owner GSS (Gold Simple Secure)
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Dealer Committee MembersDavid Baker, President Global Stone and Metal
Rick Crumly, Owner ITB
Amelia Culwell, Owner Gold & Silver Buyers
Scott Dekilder, Owner/manager Alpha Gold Services
Aron Frank, Owner Amco Jewelry Co, inc
Veronica Guajardo Aztec Gold & Silver Buyers
Amber Gustafsa, Owner Ambersdesigns.com
David Harleston Royal Coin
Hal Martin, Owner Hal Martin's
Bruce A. Pollak, Owner Houston Estate Jewelry Liquidators August 28, 2012 23