LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Council has voted to implement harsher punishments for copper wire thieves and stricter regulations for scrap metal businesses.

Metro council passed an ordinance that now classifies being caught with stolen wire from phone or utility poles as a class A misdemeanor and either a fine of $500 or spend a year in jail.

"We raised everything to the highest level of felony that we could so that is consistent across," Metro Councilman Kevin Kramer said.

Kramer sponsored the ordinance, which now requires scrap metal businesses to have a license, with a licensing fee of $625. He called this the "most important thing we did in this ordinance."

Recyclers are also required to help the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) by taking pictures of people selli

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