A new law goes into effect this weekend that police say will dramatically cut down on metal theft throughout Georgia. But implementing that new law could take a year or more because state agencies are strapped for cash.

The increasing value of metals ranging from aluminum to zinc has brought thieves out of the woodwork. Sunday, a law enacted by the last legislature goes into effect, aimed - not at preventing the thefts - but at preventing the thieves from fencing their stolen goods.

“Now, there’s no incentive anymore to take it,” said Lt. Dan Rasmussin, head of the Fulton County Burlgary Task Force.

Under the new law, recyclers will have to register with the state. Only certain people will be allowed to sell them scrap metal. Those who do sell scrap metal will be photographed and paid in checks, not cash.

But state officials admit it will take time to ramp up this new system. Faced with trying to create the statewide databases needed to make it work, a spokesman for the GBI admitted it could be another year or more before the system is fully in place.