The City Council finds that pawnbrokers and precious metal dealers potentially provide an opportunity for the commission and concealment of crimes. Such businesses have the ability to receive and transfer stolen property easily and quickly. The City Council also finds that consumer protection regulation is warranted in transactions involving pawnbrokers and precious metal dealers. The purpose of this chapter is to prevent pawnbroking and precious metal businesses from being used as facilities for the commission of crimes and to ensure that such businesses comply with basic consumer protection standards, thereby protecting the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the city.
(Prior Code, § 112.01) (Ord. 583, passed 11-6-1996)