ARTICLE 715

Pawnbrokers and Second Hand Dealers

715.01 Reports to Bethlehem Police Department.
715.99 Penalty.

715.01 REPORTS TO BETHLEHEM POLICE DEPARTMENT

All pawnbrokers, jewelers, or merchants of any kind, buying or taking in to pawn second-hand jewelry, coins, precious metals, or second-hand goods of any kind, shall keep complete and accurate records, on forms provided by the Bethlehem Police Department, of any and all items taken in pawn, exchanged, and/or purchased by them. These records shall, at a minimum, include all of the following:

A. The name, address, and telephone number of the individual pawning or selling the item.

B. Proof of the individual's positive identification, e.g. Pennsylvania's Driver's License Number or Pennsylvania Non-Driver's License Identification Number.

C. Description and serial number (where applicable) of the item pawned or sold.

D. The price for which the item was pawned or sold.

In the event that the individual pawning or selling the item is under the age of eighteen years, he/she shall be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must also provide proof of positive identification, the same being recorded in the merchant's records.

If the item purchased is to be changed in any way, including, but not limited to, melting, or smelting, the purchaser/pawnbroker shall photograph the object and immediately notify, by telephone, the Bethlehem Police Investigative Bureau. Such notification shall include a description of the item. The item shall not be altered within the forty-eight (48) hours following the notification.

A legible, accurate, and complete copy of these records shall be delivered to the Police Commissioner or his designee at his office every Tuesday before 10:00 a.m.

Upon demand, inventory records shall be open to the Bethlehem Police Department.

715.99 PENALTY.

Any person violating any provision of this Article shall be fined not more than Three Hundred ($300.00) Dollars or imprisoned not more than ninety (90) days or both.

(Ord. 3777, Passed 11/19/96.)