Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone unveiled legislation Thursday requiring pawn shops to take digital pictures of the people attempting to sell items and the items themselves.

The proposed law is an effort to keep stolen items out of local pawn shops. Assistant Deputy County Executive for Public Safety Tim Sine says it's designed to protect victims and shop owners.

"Not only will this make it easier for police to track down stolen property, it will provide and serve as a deterrent for people trying to sell stolen property to pawn shops," said Sine.

Currently, pawn shop owners only collect driver's license information during sales. Some pawn shop owners told News 12 that they are concerned the proposed law could embarrass legitimate customers and hurt their businesses.

The new pawn shop regulations will be introduced at next month's Suffolk County Legislature meeting. Public comment on the bill will be held in March.