Gwinnett Daily Post

DACULA -- City leaders Thursday voted to strengthen Dacula's existing pawn shop ordinance, in response to Gwinnett County police chief Charles Walters' request.

Walters asked that every Gwinnett city follow the county's lead in improving tracking and reporting items sold to pawn shops.

According to city administrator Jim Osborne, new capabilities offered by the Internet mean real-time tracking and reporting, leading to more efficient arrests and prosecution of offenders who attempt to pawn stolen goods. The software formerly used by the Gwinnett County Pawn Unit was about 10 years old and severely out of date.

Council members also voted to adopt a Precious Metals Dealers Ordinance, which provides for stringent background checks on dealers as well as strict guidelines for the purchase and sale of items made of precious metals.