WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- In an effort to cut down on theft, the Wichita City Council has adopted new rules for scrap metal dealers.

The council voted Tuesday to require people selling scrap metal to show a photo identification or give a thumbprint to buyers.

The new rules also would require buyers to pay sellers with checks, which improves tracking of who had the scrap metal. And dealers will have to be licensed and maintain records that police will be able to review.

The law also requires sellers to sign affidavits confirming where they got the scrap metal.

Wichita police say copper thefts began rising in 2000 when the price of copper went up. Thefts dropped briefly but police say the price of copper is rising again, so they expect thefts to increase.