Chatham-Kent council is hoping to reduce the number of copper thefts in the community.

Councillor Marjorie Crew is asking administration to investigate existing scrap metal by-laws to see if there is a way to stop thieves from selling stolen copper at local scrap yards.

Crew says having scrap metal businesses licensed could be one way to deter thieves from selling stolen metals.

Administration will present a report on the matter to council in the fall.