There has been an attempt to stop the cash payment for scrap metal. Some scrap yards now will not pay cahs, rather they will mail the proceeds check to an address in so many days time after they check the 'hot' sheet for stolen wire, cats etc. If there is not market for sales, the thefts will dry up to a point.
If you think this should be done on a state level, write or contact your local state legislator. I know some of the building groups have had their lobbyists on it as a lot of the things that get sold are stolen from new construction.