Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams formed the Precious Metals Unit to assist law enforcement efforts to curb the sale of stolen jewelry and other items that contain gold, silver and platinum. The unit follows Pennsylvania Code, Title 37, Chapter 501, pertaining to the Purchase and Sale of Precious Metals.

• Individuals or businesses involved in the purchase of precious metals (gold, silver or platinum) from the general public in Berks County, either for resale or refining, are required to be licensed by the Berks County Sheriff.

• Precious metals are further described as items containing or being of gold, silver or platinum, including but not limited to jewelry and silver services. The term does not include coins or articles containing less than 5% of gold, silver or platinum by weight.

• Individuals or businesses are required to report precious metal purchases to the Berks County District Attorney prior to the completion of the next business day. A precious metal transaction form is required. The transaction form can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed.

• Individuals or businesses are required to retain the precious metals purchased for at least five working days, and retain records pertaining to the purchase and sale of these precious metals for 12 months (1 Year). These records must be made available to law enforcement officers upon request.

• Compliance is mandatory. If you are a precious metal dealer in Berks County, you must be licensed by the sheriff and the transaction report must be filed with the Berks County District Attorney prior to the end of the next business day.