INDIANAPOLIS (AP): A new state law targets scrap vehicles, catalytic converters and air conditioner evaporator coils being brought to scrapyards in exchange for cash.

It requires someone who brings a vehicle for scrap metal to provide proper documentation and makes not doing so a misdemeanor. It also requires documentation for sales and purchases of air conditioning parts or a catalytic converter.

Police agencies across the nation have seen increased thefts of metals such as copper, bronze, brass and aluminum.

Indiana State Police and county highway departments earlier this month launched an effort to stem growing incidences of thefts of wiring from highway lighting.

With the aid of high-tech surveillance units, recycling companies are constantly monitoring their yards and are able to keep stolen scrap from being resold and alerting the authorities.

Another developing technology, websites allow companies to document incidents, report crimes and issue alerts to within a one-hundred mile radius.