ALBANY, Ga. (AP) — Authorities say metal thieves are targeting auto batteries in Georgia.

The thieves might be taking advantage of a loophole in the state's current law that does not treat batteries as a regulated metal, WALB-TV reported 

Albany police say they've seen a spike in car and truck battery thefts, and especially warn large fleet holders to safeguard their equipment.

The Albany station reports that Georgia's current law for regulated metals exempts auto batteries from the record keeping requirements at metal recyclers like copper, brass, or aluminum, to try to slow down metal thefts.

However, due to the increase of battery thefts across the state, the Georgia Recyclers Association has asked all of its members to voluntarily begin treating batteries as a regulated metal, and keep records of who sells them.

Albany police say the metal recyclers are cooperating, but warn the thieves are often targeting businesses where they can get several batteries quickly.

Police also urge car owners to keep their doors locked, so thieves can't pop the hoods and steal the battery.

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