Suffolk County lawmakers signed a bill into law Thursday that is designed to clamp down on scrap metal theft.

The law requires scrap metal dealers to keep detailed records of who they buy from and make copies of government-issued identifications. Dealers will also have to include the identification of sellers.

Metal quantities and types must be recorded by scrap metal buyers so police can track where the material is coming from and where it?s going. That information must be electronically filed and be made available to police within 72 hours, according to the new law.

Violators of the new law will face $1,000 fines for each individual breach and $5,000 for each company violation.

Kevin Gershowitz, of Gershow Recycling, says the law is a step in the right direction to deter scrap metal theft. Lawmakers who passed the bill agree.